Lipoic acid alters delta-aminolevulinic dehydratase, glutathione peroxidase and Na+,K+-ATPase activities and glutathione-reduced levels in rat hippocampus after pilocarpine-induced seizures

Ferroptosis effects and behavioral changes associated with high accumulation and low elimination percentage of silver in brain following a 28-day nasal instillation of silver nanoparticles in mice

This study investigates the ferroptosis effects and behavioral changes in mice following 28-day nasal instillation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs, 0-50 mg/kg.bw), with subsequent observation of recovery effects over a 28-day period. AgNP accumulates differentially in the organs evaluated. However, the hippocampus was an important target. Spatial learning and memory deficits were detected using the Morris Water Maze. Hippocampal neuronal damage was observed, characterized by loss of cellular integrity, cytoplasmic atrophy, and blurred nuclei. These alterations persisted throughout the 28-day recovery period. Lipid peroxidation was triggered by depletion of GSH and elevation of MDA. Disruption of iron homeostasis was mediated through downregulation of TFRC, FTH1, and FTL protein expression. Ferroptosis activation was confirmed by suppression of GPX4 and SLC7A11, coupled with upregulation of ACSL4 and COX2. Additionally, exposure to Ag+ in the amount released from AgNPs (50 mg/kg) also resulted in sustained silver accumulation and ferroptosis effects. Beyond nanoparticle-specific toxicity, the study emphasizes the potential adverse effects resulting from the prolonged and gradual release of metal ions from these nanoparticles in vivo. Our study provided experimental evidence and potential clues into the neurotoxicity of metal nanoparticles.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Reduces Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress Induced by Dapsone in an Animal Model

Background/Objectives: Chronic treatment with dapsone (DDS) has been linked to adverse reactions involving all organ systems, such as dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome, methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia, besides neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration due to iron accumulation and oxidative stress. These effects probably occur due to the presence of its toxic metabolite DDS-NOH, which can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron overload. In this sense, antioxidant compounds with chelating properties, such as alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), may be an interesting adjuvant therapy strategy in treating or preventing these effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ALA on oxidative and neuroinflammatory changes caused by DDS treatment in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of mice. Materials and Methods:Mus musculus male mice that were pre-treated with DDS (40 mg/kg) and post-treated with ALA (25 mg/kg) underwent analyses for oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, cytokine expression and microglial/astrocytic activity. Results: DDS did not activate macrophages/microglia or astrocytes in the prefrontal cortex but induced their activation in the hippocampus. ALA stimulated a protective microglial profile and reduced astrocyte reactivity, especially in the hippocampus. DDS increased the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), effects reversed by ALA. DDS also reduced antioxidant capacity (TEAC, GSH, SOD, CAT) and increased oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation, iron accumulation), while ALA restored antioxidant levels and reduced oxidative stress. Conclusions: ALA was able to reduce the effects of DDS, such as reducing microglial and astrocytic activation, as well as to decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase BDNF, in addition to increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative damage caused by iron accumulation. Therefore, ALA is considered a useful and promising therapeutic alternative for the treatment of diseases related to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Lavandula dentata's Oil and Ethanol Extract in Regulation of the Neuroinflammation, Histopathological Alterations, Oxidative Stress, and Restoring Balance Treg Cells Expressing FoxP3+ in a Rat Model of Epilepsy

Background/Objectives: Despite the availability of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) that can manage seizures, they often come with cognitive side effects. Furthermore, the role of oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory responses in epilepsy and the limitations of current AEDs necessitate exploring alternative therapeutic options. Medicinal plants, e.g., Lavandula dentata L., are rich in phenolic compounds and may provide neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, limited research evaluates their effectiveness in modulating neuroinflammation and histopathological changes in epilepsy models. Therefore, the current study hypothesized that treating Lavandula dentata L. extract or essential oils may reduce neuroinflammatory responses and mitigate histopathological changes in the brain, providing a natural alternative or adjunct therapy for epilepsy management. Methods: Five groups of male Wistar rats were used: control, pilocarpine-treated epileptic, valproic acid (VPA-treated epileptic), L. dentata extract, and essential oils. Numerous electrolyte levels, monoamine levels, neurotransmitter levels, and the mRNA expression of specific gate channel subtypes were evaluated in homogenate brain tissue. Additionally, histological changes in various brain regions were investigated. Results: The investigation revealed that the extract and essential oils obtained from L. dentata L. exhibited the ability to improve the modulation of electrolytes and ions across voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels. Furthermore, it was revealed that they could decrease neuronal excitability by facilitating repolarization. Moreover, L. dentata's oil and ethanol extract re-balances T-reg/Th-17 cytokines, restoring the pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines and Treg markers, e.g., FOXP3 and CTLA-4, to their normal level. Conclusions: The present work confirms that the extract and essential oils of L. dentata L. have different activities to ameliorate the progression of histopathological alterations. Therefore, when used in conjunction with other AEDs, the extract and essential oils of L. dentata can slow the progression of epileptogenesis.

Antioxidant Therapy Reduces Oxidative Stress, Restores Na,K-ATPase Function and Induces Neuroprotection in Rodent Models of Seizure and Epilepsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by epileptic seizures resulting from neuronal hyperexcitability, which may be related to failures in Na,K-ATPase activity and oxidative stress participation. We conducted this study to investigate the impact of antioxidant therapy on oxidative stress, Na,K-ATPase activity, seizure factors, and mortality in rodent seizure/epilepsy models induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), pilocarpine (PILO), and kainic acid (KA). After screening 561 records in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus databases, 22 were included in the systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. The meta-analysis included 14 studies and showed that in epileptic animals there was an increase in the oxidizing agents nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), with a reduction in endogenous antioxidants reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SO). The Na,K-ATPase activity was reduced in all areas evaluated. Antioxidant therapy reversed all of these parameters altered by seizure or epilepsy induction. In addition, there was a percentage decrease in the number of seizures and mortality, and a meta-analysis showed a longer seizure latency in animals using antioxidant therapy. Thus, this study suggests that the use of antioxidants promotes neuroprotective effects and mitigates the effects of epilepsy. The protocol was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42022356960.

Neuroprotective Effect of Gold Nanoparticles and Alpha-Lipoic Acid Mixture against Radiation-Induced Brain Damage in Rats

The current study aims to evaluate the possible neuroprotective impact of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and an alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) mixture against brain damage in irradiated rats. AuNPs were synthesized and characterized using different techniques. Then, a preliminary investigation was carried out to determine the neuroprotective dose of AuNPs, where three single doses (500, 1000, and 1500 µg/kg) were orally administrated to male Wistar rats, one hour before being exposed to a single dose of 7Gy gamma radiation. One day following irradiation, the estimation of oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde, MDA; glutathione peroxidase, GPX), DNA fragmentation, and histopathological alterations were performed in brain cortical and hippocampal tissues in both normal and irradiated rats. The chosen neuroprotective dose of AuNPs (1000 µg/kg) was processed with ALA (100 mg/kg) to prepare the AuNPs-ALA mixture. The acute neuroprotective effect of AuNPs-ALA in irradiated rats was determined against valproic acid as a neuroprotective centrally acting reference drug. All drugs were orally administered one hour before the 7Gy-gamma irradiation. One day following irradiation, animals were sacrificed and exposed to examinations such as those of the preliminary experiment. Administration of AuNPs, ALA, and AuNPs-ALA mixture before irradiation significantly attenuated the radiation-induced oxidative stress through amelioration of MDA content and GPX activity along with alleviating DNA fragmentation and histopathological changes in both cortical and hippocampal tissues. Notably, the AuNPs-ALA mixture showed superior effect compared to that of AuNPs or ALA alone, as it mitigated oxidative stress, DNA damage, and histopathological injury collectively. Administration of AuNPs-ALA resulted in normalized MDA content, increased GPX activity, restored DNA content in the cortex and hippocampus besides only mild histopathological changes. The present data suggest that the AuNPs-ALA mixture may be considered a potential candidate for alleviating radiation-associated brain toxicity.

Does ( -)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate protect the neurotoxicity induced by bisphenol A in vivo?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the chemicals that is firmly accompanied by hippocampal neuronal injury. As oxidative stress appears to be a major contributor to neurotoxicity induced by BPA, antioxidants with remarkable neuroprotective effects can play a valuable protective role. Around the world, ( -)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) was one of the most popular antioxidants that could exert a beneficial neuroprotective role. Here, we examined the potential efficiency of EGCG against neurotoxicity induced by BPA in the hippocampal CA3 region of the rat model. This study revealed that EGCG was unable to abrogate the significant decrease in circulating adiponectin level and hippocampal superoxide dismutase activity as well as an increase in hippocampal levels of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde. Notably, EGCG failed to antagonize the oxidative inhibitory effect of BPA on hippocampal neurotransmission and its associated cognitive deficits. In addition, the histopathological examination with immunohistochemical detection of caspase-3 and NF-kB/p65 emphasized that EGCG failed to protect hippocampal CA3 neurons from apoptotic and necrotic effects induced by BPA. Our study revealed that EGCG showed no protective role against the neurotoxic effect caused by BPA, which may be attributed to its failure to counteract the BPA-induced oxidative stress in vivo. The controversial effect is probably related to EGCG's ability to impede BPA glucuronidation and thus, its detoxification. That inference requires further additional experimental and clinical studies.

Myricetin Improves Impaired Nerve Functions in Experimental Diabetic Rats

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is considered as one of the most important complications of diabetes mellitus. At present, effective treatments that might improve the damaged neurological function in DPN are sorely needed. As myricetin has been proved to possess excellent neuroprotective and antioxidant effects, it might have therapeutic potential for DPN. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to detect the potential beneficial effect of myricetin on DPN. A single dose of 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin was applied in rats for the establishment of diabetic models. Different doses of myricetin (0.5 mg/kg/day, 1.0 mg/kg/day, and 2.0 mg/kg/day) were intraperitoneally injected for 2 weeks from the 21st day after streptozotocin injection. After the final myricetin injection, behavioral, electrophysiological, biochemical, and protein analyses were performed. In the present study, myricetin significantly ameliorated diabetes-induced impairment in sensation, nerve conduction velocities, and nerve blood flow. In addition, myricetin significantly reduced the generation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and elevated Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity and antioxidant activities in nerves in diabetic animals. Additional studies revealed that myricetin significantly raised the hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) levels, and elevated the expression level of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) as well as nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) in diabetic rats. In addition, myricetin has the capability of decreasing plasma glucose under diabetic conditions. The findings in our present study collectively indicated that myricetin could restore the impaired motor and sensory functions under diabetic conditions. The Nrf2-dependent antioxidant action and the capability of decreasing plasma glucose might be the underlying mechanisms for the beneficial effect of myricetin on impaired neural functions. Our study showed the therapeutic potential of myricetin in the management of DPN.

Seizure-Induced Oxidative Stress in Status Epilepticus: Is Antioxidant Beneficial?

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder which affects patients physically and mentally and causes a real burden for the patient, family and society both medically and economically. Currently, more than one-third of epilepsy patients are still under unsatisfied control, even with new anticonvulsants. Other measures may be added to those with drug-resistant epilepsy. Excessive neuronal synchronization is the hallmark of epileptic activity and prolonged epileptic discharges such as in status epilepticus can lead to various cellular events and result in neuronal damage or death. Unbalanced oxidative status is one of the early cellular events and a critical factor to determine the fate of neurons in epilepsy. To counteract excessive oxidative damage through exogenous antioxidant supplements or induction of endogenous antioxidative capability may be a reasonable approach for current anticonvulsant therapy. In this article, we will introduce the critical roles of oxidative stress and further discuss the potential use of antioxidants in this devastating disease.

Modulating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress to prevent epilepsy and improve outcomes after traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in young adults worldwide. TBI survival is associated with persistent neuropsychiatric and neurological impairments, including posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE). To date, no pharmaceutical treatment has been found to prevent PTE or ameliorate neurological/neuropsychiatric deficits after TBI. Brain trauma results in immediate mechanical damage to brain cells and blood vessels that may never be fully restored given the limited regenerative capacity of brain tissue. This primary insult unleashes cascades of events, prominently including neuroinflammation and massive oxidative stress that evolve over time, expanding the brain injury, but also clearing cellular debris and establishing homeostasis in the region of damage. Accumulating evidence suggests that oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory sequelae of TBI contribute to posttraumatic epileptogenesis. This review will focus on possible roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS), their interactions with neuroinflammation in posttraumatic epileptogenesis, and emerging therapeutic strategies after TBI. We propose that inhibitors of the professional ROS-generating enzymes, the NADPH oxygenases and myeloperoxidase alone, or combined with selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase mediated signaling may have promise for the treatment or prevention of PTE and other sequelae of TBI. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'New Epilepsy Therapies for the 21st Century - From Antiseizure Drugs to Prevention, Modification and Cure of Epilepsy'.

Energy Metabolism and Redox State in Brains of Wistar Audiogenic Rats, a Genetic Model of Epilepsy

The Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain is a genetic model of epilepsy, specifically brainstem-dependent tonic-clonic seizures, triggered by acute auditory stimulation. Chronic audiogenic seizures (audiogenic kindling) mimic temporal lobe epilepsy, with significant participation of the hippocampus, amygdala, and cortex. The objective of the present study was to characterize the mitochondrial energy metabolism in hippocampus and cortex of WAR and verify its relationship with seizure severity. Hippocampus of WAR naïve (no seizures) presented higher oxygen consumption in respiratory states related to the maximum capacities of phosphorylation and electron transfer system, elevated mitochondrial density, lower GSH/GSSG and catalase activity, and higher protein carbonyl and lactate contents, compared with their Wistar counterparts. Audiogenic kindling had no adding functional effect in WAR, but in Wistar, it induced the same alterations observed in the audiogenic strain. In the cortex, WAR naïve presented elevated mitochondrial density, lower GSH/GSSG and catalase activity, and higher protein carbonyl levels. Chronic acoustic stimulation in Wistar induced the same alterations in cortex and hippocampus. Mainly in the hippocampus, WAR naïve presented elevated mRNA expression of glucose, lactate and excitatory amino acids transporters, several glycolytic enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase, and Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase in neurons and in astrocytes. In vivo treatment with mitochondrial uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in WAR had no effect on mitochondrial metabolism, but lowered oxidative stress. Unlike DNP, NAC downregulated all enzyme genes involved in glucose and lactate uptake, and metabolism in neurons and astrocytes. Additionally, it was able to reduce brainstem seizure severity in WAR. In conclusion, in WAR naïve animals, both cerebral cortex and hippocampus display elevated mitochondrial density and/or activity associated with oxidative damage, glucose and lactate metabolism pathways upregulation, and increased Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase mRNA expression. Only in vivo treatment with NAC was able to reduce seizure severity of kindled WARs, possibly via down regulation of glucose/lactate metabolism. Taken together, our results are a clear contribution to the field of mitochondrial metabolism associated to epileptic seizures.

Neuroprotective effect of curcumin nanoparticles against rat model of status epilepticus induced by pilocarpine

Background

The present study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effect of curcumin nanoparticles (Cur-NP) on the rat model of status epilepticus (SE) induced by pilocarpine.

Methods

In the present study, animals were divided into three groups: control animals, rat model of SE induced by a single dose of pilocarpine (380 mg/kg) injected intraperitoneally, and rat model of SE that received a daily intraperitoneal injection of Cur-NP (50 mg/kg) for four consecutive days prior to pilocarpine administration.

Results

The present results revealed a state of oxidative stress in the cortex and hippocampus of rat model of SE as compared to control. This was evident from the significant increase in lipid peroxidation and the significant decrease in reduced glutathione and nitric oxide. In addition, a significant increase in the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and caspase-3 was detected in the two studied brain regions of rat model of SE. The activities of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and Na+/K+-ATPase decreased significantly in the cortex and hippocampus of rat model of SE. Protection with Cur-NP prevented oxidative stress and improved the elevated level of caspase-3 in the hippocampus and cortex and the hippocampal TNF-α to nonsignificant changes. Although Cur-NP prevented the decrease in AchE activity in the two studied brain regions, it failed to return Na+/K+-ATPase activity to its normal value.

Conclusions

It is clear from the present findings that Cur-NP could prevent the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and cell death that were induced during SE. This in turn may help in ameliorating the subsequent cascades of events that follow SE and its development into epileptogenesis.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate loaded PEGylated-PLGA nanoparticles: A new anti-seizure strategy for temporal lobe epilepsy

Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common type of pharmacoresistant epilepsy in adults. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate has aroused much interest because of its multiple therapeutic effects, but its instability compromises the potential effectiveness. PEGylated-PLGA nanoparticles of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate were designed to protect the drug and to increase the brain delivery. Nanoparticles were prepared by the double emulsion method and cytotoxicity, behavioral, Fluoro-Jade C, Iba1 and GFAP immunohistochemistry studies were carried out to determine their effectiveness. Nanoparticles showed an average size of 169 nm, monodisperse population, negative surface charge, encapsulation efficiency of 95% and sustained release profile. Cytotoxicity assays exhibited that these nanocarriers were non-toxic. Behavioral test showed that nanoparticles reduced most than free drug the number of epileptic episodes and their intensity. Neurotoxicity and immunohistochemistry studies confirmed a decrease in neuronal death and neuroinflammation. In conclusion, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate PEGylated-PLGA nanoparticles could be a suitable strategy for the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Antioxidants as a preventive treatment for epileptic process: a review of the current status

Epilepsy is known as one of the most frequent neurological diseases, characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures. Oxidative stress is believed to directly participate in pathways leading to neurodegeneration, which serves as the most important propagating factor, leading to the epileptic condition and cognitive decline. Moreover, there is also a growing body of evidence showing the disturbance of antioxidant system balance and consequently increased production of reactive species in patients with epilepsy. A meta-analysis, conducted in the present review confirms an association between epilepsy and increased lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, it was also shown that some of the antiepileptic drugs could potentially be responsible for additionally increased lipid peroxidation. Therefore, it is reasonable to propose that during the epileptic process neuroprotective treatment with antioxidants could lead to less sever structural damages, reduced epileptogenesis and milder cognitive deterioration. To evaluate this hypothesis studies investigating the neuroprotective therapeutic potential of various antioxidants in cells, animal seizure models and patients with epilepsy have been reviewed. Numerous beneficial effects of antioxidants on oxidative stress markers and in some cases also neuroprotective effects were observed in animal seizure models. However, despite these encouraging results, till now only a few antioxidants have been further applied to patients with epilepsy as an add-on therapy. Based on the several positive findings in animal models, a strong need for more carefully planned, randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled clinical trials for the evaluation of antioxidants efficacy in patients with epilepsy is warranted.

Neuroprotective effects of idebenone against pilocarpine-induced seizures: modulation of antioxidant status, DNA damage and Na(+), K (+)-ATPase activity in rat hippocampus

The current study investigated the neuroprotective activity of idebenone against pilocarpine-induced seizures and hippocampal injury in rats. Idebenone is a ubiquinone analog with antioxidant, and ATP replenishment effects. It is well tolerated and has low toxicity. Previous studies reported the protective effects of idebenone against neurodegenerative diseases such as Friedreich's ataxia and Alzheimer's disease. So far, the efficacy of idebenone in experimental models of seizures has not been tested. To achieve this aim, rats were randomly distributed into six groups. Two groups were treated with either normal saline (0.9 %, i.p., control group) or idebenone (200 mg/kg, i.p., Ideb200 group) for three successive days. Rats of the other four groups (P400, Ideb50 + P400, Ideb100 + P400, and Ideb200 + P400) received either saline or idebenone (50, 100, 200 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 days, respectively followed by a single dose of pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, i.p.). All rats were observed for 6 h post pilocarpine injection. Latency to the first seizure, and percentages of seizures and survival were recorded. Surviving animals were sacrificed, and the hippocampal tissues were separated and used for the measurement of lipid peroxides, total nitrate/nitrite, glutathione and DNA fragmentation levels, in addition to catalase and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activities. Results revealed that in a dose-dependent manner, idebenone (100, 200 mg/kg) prolonged the latency to the first seizure, elevated the percentage of survival and diminished the percentage of pilocapine-induced seizures in rats. Significant increases in lipid peroxides, total nitrate/nitrite, DNA fragmentation levels and catalase activity, in addition to a significant reduction in glutathione level and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity were observed in pilocarpine group. Pre-administration of idebenone (100, 200 mg/kg, i.p.) to pilocarpine-treated rats, significantly reduced lipid peroxides, total nitrate/nitrite, DNA fragmentation levels, and normalized catalase activity. Moreover, idebenone prevented pilocarpine-induced detrimental effects on brain hippocampal glutathione level, and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase enzyme activity in rats. Data obtained from the current investigation emphasized the critical role of oxidative stress in induction of seizures by pilocarpine and elucidated the prominent neuroprotective and antioxidant activities of idebenone in this model.

Syzygium jambos and Solanum guaraniticum show similar antioxidant properties but induce different enzymatic activities in the brain of rats

Syzygium jambos and Solanum guaraniticum are both employed in Brazil as medicinal plants, even though their potential toxicity is not well established and they are frequently misused. The aim of this study was investigate the effect of the aqueous leaf extracts of both plants on δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities and the antioxidant action against oxidative damage induced by sodium nitroprusside in rats, using in vitro assays. In addition, the presence of gallic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids, as well as rutin, quercetin and kaempferol as bioactive compounds in the extracts was identified by HPLC and their levels quantified. The antioxidant activities of both extracts were assessed by their capabilities to scavenge nitric oxide and to inhibit lipid peroxidation. Only Syzygium jambos presented thiol-peroxidase-like activity. Although neither extract affected the AChE activity, the aqueous extract of Solanum guaraniticum inhibited brain δ-ALA-D activity, suggesting a possible impairment effect on the central nervous system. Our results showed that both extracts exhibited efficient free radical scavenger activity and are an interesting source of bioactive compounds, justifying their use in folk medicine, although Solanum guaraniticum extract could have neurotoxicity properties and we therefore suggest that its use should be restricted to ensure the health of the population.

Role of oxidative stress in refractory epilepsy: evidence in patients and experimental models

Oxidative stress, a state of imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species and nitrogen, is induced by a wide variety of factors. This biochemical state is associated with systemic diseases, and diseases affecting the central nervous system. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder with refractoriness to drug therapy at about 30%. Currently, experimental evidence supports the involvement of oxidative stress in seizures, in the process of their generation, and in the mechanisms associated with refractoriness to drug therapy. Hence, the aim of this review is to present information in order to facilitate the handling of this evidence and determine the therapeutic impact of the biochemical status for this pathology.

Coenzyme Q10 enhances the anticonvulsant effect of phenytoin in pilocarpine-induced seizures in rats and ameliorates phenytoin-induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress

Conventional antiepileptic drugs fail to adequately control seizures and predispose to cognitive impairment and oxidative stress with chronic usage in a significant proportion of patients with epilepsy. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant compound, exhibits a wide range of therapeutic effects that are attributed to its potent antioxidant capacity. To evaluate the neuroprotective effects of CoQ10 in rats against the observed oxidative stress during seizures induced by pilocarpine, and to study its interactions with the conventional antiepileptic drug phenytoin, two experiments were performed. Experiment 1 was conducted to test the effect of phenytoin, CoQ10, or both on seizure severity and oxidative markers in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy. Experiment 2 was conducted to test the effect of 2 weeks of chronic treatment with phenytoin, CoQ10, or both on oxidative markers and behavioral tests in rats. Overall, CoQ10 reduced the severity of pilocarpine-induced seizures and the severity of oxidative stress. Moreover, it potentiated the antiepileptic effects afforded by phenytoin treatment, with the potential safety and efficacy in ameliorating oxidative stress and cognitive impairment caused by chronic phenytoin therapy. Our findings strongly suggest that CoQ10 can be considered a safe and effective adjuvant to phenytoin therapy in epilepsy both to ameliorate seizure severity and to protect against seizure-induced oxidative damage by reducing the cognitive impairment and oxidative stress associated with chronic use of phenytoin.

Role of oxidative stress in epileptic seizures

Oxidative stress resulting from excessive free-radical release is likely implicated in the initiation and progression of epilepsy. Therefore, antioxidant therapies aimed at reducing oxidative stress have received considerable attention in epilepsy treatment. However, much evidence suggests that oxidative stress does not always have the same pattern in all seizures models. Thus, this review provides an overview aimed at achieving a better understanding of this issue. We summarize work regarding seizure models (i.e., genetic rat models, kainic acid, pilocarpine, pentylenetetrazol, and trimethyltin), oxidative stress as an etiologic factor in epileptic seizures (i.e., impairment of antioxidant systems, mitochondrial dysfunction, involvement of redox-active metals, arachidonic acid pathway activation, and aging), and antioxidant strategies for seizure treatment. Combined, this review highlights pharmacological mechanisms associated with oxidative stress in epileptic seizures and the potential for neuroprotection in epilepsy that targets oxidative stress and is supported by effective antioxidant treatment.

The neuroprotective effect of curcumin and Nigella sativa oil against oxidative stress in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy: a comparison with valproate

Oxidative stress has been implicated to play a role in epileptogenesis and pilocarpine-induced seizures. The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant effects of curcumin, Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and valproate on the levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione and the activities of catalase, Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase in the hippocampus of pilocarpine-treated rats. The animal model of epilepsy was induced by pilocarpine and left for 22 days to establish the chronic phase of epilepsy. These animals were then treated with curcumin, NSO or valproate for 21 days. The data revealed evidence of oxidative stress in the hippocampus of pilocarpinized rats as indicated by the increased nitric oxide levels and the decreased glutathione levels and catalase activity. Moreover, a decrease in Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity and an increase in acetylcholinesterase activity occurred in the hippocampus after pilocarpine. Treatment with curcumin, NSO or valproate ameliorated most of the changes induced by pilocarpine and restored Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity in the hippocampus to control levels. This study reflects the promising anticonvulsant and potent antioxidant effects of curcumin and NSO in reducing oxidative stress, excitability and the induction of seizures in epileptic animals and improving some of the adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs.