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Çarçak N, Onat F, Sitnikova E. Astrocytes as a target for therapeutic strategies in epilepsy: current insights. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1183775. [PMID: 37583518 PMCID: PMC10423940 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1183775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are specialized non-neuronal glial cells of the central nervous system, contributing to neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission (gliotransmission). Astrocytes play a key roles in epileptogenesis and seizure generation. Epilepsy, as a chronic disorder characterized by neuronal hyperexcitation and hypersynchronization, is accompanied by substantial disturbances of glial cells and impairment of astrocytic functions and neuronal signaling. Anti-seizure drugs that provide symptomatic control of seizures primarily target neural activity. In epileptic patients with inadequate control of seizures with available anti-seizure drugs, novel therapeutic candidates are needed. These candidates should treat epilepsy with anti-epileptogenic and disease-modifying effects. Evidence from human and animal studies shows that astrocytes have value for developing new anti-seizure and anti-epileptogenic drugs. In this review, we present the key functions of astrocytes contributing to neuronal hyperexcitability and synaptic activity following an etiology-based approach. We analyze the role of astrocytes in both development (epileptogenesis) and generation of seizures (ictogenesis). Several promising new strategies that attempted to modify astroglial functions for treating epilepsy are being developed: (1) selective targeting of glia-related molecular mechanisms of glutamate transport; (2) modulation of tonic GABA release from astrocytes; (3) gliotransmission; (4) targeting the astrocytic Kir4.1-BDNF system; (5) astrocytic Na+/K+/ATPase activity; (6) targeting DNA hypo- or hypermethylation of candidate genes in astrocytes; (7) targeting astrocytic gap junction regulators; (8) targeting astrocytic adenosine kinase (the major adenosine-metabolizing enzyme); and (9) targeting microglia-astrocyte communication and inflammatory pathways. Novel disease-modifying therapeutic strategies have now been developed, such as astroglia-targeted gene therapy with a broad spectrum of genetic constructs to target astroglial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihan Çarçak
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Filiz Onat
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Evgenia Sitnikova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Sysoeva MV, Kuznetsova GD, Sysoev IV, Ngomba RT, Vinogradova LV, Grishchenko AA, van Rijn CM, van Luijtelaar G. NETWORK ANALYSIS REVEALS A ROLE OF THE HIPPOCAMPUS IN ABSENCE SEIZURES: THE EFFECTS OF A CANNABINOID AGONIST. Epilepsy Res 2023; 192:107135. [PMID: 37023553 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
The role of the hippocampus (Hp) in absence epileptic networks and the effect of endocannabinoid system on this network remain enigmatic. Here, using adapted nonlinear Granger causality, we compared the differences in network strength in four intervals (baseline or interictal, preictal, ictal and postictal) in two hours before (Epoch 1) and six hours (epochs 2, 3 and 4) after the administration of three different doses of the endocannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN) or solvent. Local field potentials were recorded for eight hours in 23 WAG/Rij rats in the Frontal (FC), Parietal PC), Occipital Cortex (OC) and in the hippocampus (Hp). The four intervals were visually marked by an expert neurophysiologist and the strength of couplings between electrode pairs were calculated in both directions. Ictally, a strong decrease in coupling strength was found between Hp and FC, as well as a large increase bidirectionally between PC and FC and unidirectionally from FC and PC to OC, and from FC to Hp over all epochs. The highest dose of WIN increased the couplings strength from FC to Hp and from OC to PC during 4 and 2 hr respectively in all intervals, and decreased the FC to PC coupling strength postictally in epoch 2. A single rat showed generalized convulsive seizures after the highest dose: this rat shared not only coupling changes with the other rats in the same condition, but showed many more. WIN reduced SWD number in epoch 2 and 3, their mean duration increased in epochs 3 and 4. Conclusions:during SWDs FC and PC are strongly coupled and drive OC, while at the same time the influence of Hp to FC is diminished. The first is in agreement with the cortical focus theory, the latter demonstrates an involvement of the hippocampus in SWD occurrence and that ictally the hippocampal control of the cortico-thalamo-cortical system is lost. WIN causes dramatic network changes which have major consequences for the decrease of SWDs, the occurrence of convulsive seizures, and the normal cortico-cortical and cortico-hippocampal interactions.
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Kızılaslan N, Aydın D, Sumbul O, Koroglu R, Aygun H. The effect of quercetin on absence epilepsy in WAG/Rij rats. Neurol Res 2023:1-7. [PMID: 36972421 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2023.2194182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM In the present study, the effect of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant flavonoid, on genetic absence epilepsy was studied in WAG/Rij rats. MATERIAL AND METHOD Tripolar electrodes were implanted into WAG/Rij rats. Basal electrocorticography (ECoG) was recorded following a recovery period. After basal ECoG recording, different doses of quercetin (QRC) (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 30 days. ECoG recording was continued for 31 days, three hours a day. After recording, the rats were anesthetized and euthanized through cervical dislocation and their brains were excised. Biochemically, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and NO were studied in whole rat brains. RESULTS In WAG/Rij rats, low-dose quercetin (25 mg/kg) reduced the number and duration of spike-wave discharges (SWDs) compared to the control group. However, 50 and 100 mg/kg quercetin doses increased SWDs. Duration of SWDs was prolonged only with 100 mg/kg dose. None of the quercetin doses had any effect on average amplitude of SWDs. In addition, it was observed in biochemical analyses that 25 mg/kg quercetin reduced TNF-alpha, IL-6 and NO levels compared to the control group. While TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels in rat brains were not affected by 50 or 100 mg/kg doses, both doses were found to increase NO levels in rat brains. CONCLUSION Based on the results of the present study, 25 mg/kg low-dose quercetin may have reduced absence seizures by reducing proinflammatory cytokines and NO, but high-dose quercetin may have increased absence seizures through increasing the NO level. This contrasting effect of quercetin on absence seizures needs to be investigated by advanced mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nildem Kızılaslan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Duygu Aydın
- Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, Occupational Physician, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Orhan Sumbul
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Reyhan Koroglu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Sultan 2 Abdülhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hatice Aygun
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey
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Celli R, Striano P, Citraro R, Di Menna L, Cannella M, Imbriglio T, Koko M, Consortium EEC, De Sarro G, Monn JA, Battaglia G, van Luijtelaar G, Nicoletti F, Russo E, Leo A. mGlu3 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors as a Target for the Treatment of Absence Epilepsy: Preclinical and Human Genetics Data. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:105-118. [PMID: 35579153 PMCID: PMC10193767 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220509160511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that different metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor subtypes are potential drug targets for treating absence epilepsy. However, no information is available on mGlu3 receptors. OBJECTIVE To examine whether (i) changes of mGlu3 receptor expression/signaling are found in the somatosensory cortex and thalamus of WAG/Rij rats developing spontaneous absence seizures; (ii) selective activation of mGlu3 receptors with LY2794193 affects the number and duration of spikewave discharges (SWDs) in WAG/Rij rats; and (iii) a genetic variant of GRM3 (encoding the mGlu3 receptor) is associated with absence epilepsy. METHODS Animals: immunoblot analysis of mGlu3 receptors, GAT-1, GLAST, and GLT-1; realtime PCR analysis of mGlu3 mRNA levels; assessment of mGlu3 receptor signaling; EEG analysis of SWDs; assessment of depressive-like behavior. Humans: search for GRM3 and GRM5 missense variants in 196 patients with absence epilepsy or other Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy (IGE)/ Genetic Generalized Epilepsy (GGE) and 125,748 controls. RESULTS mGlu3 protein levels and mGlu3-mediated inhibition of cAMP formation were reduced in the thalamus and somatosensory cortex of pre-symptomatic (25-27 days old) and symptomatic (6-7 months old) WAG/Rij rats compared to age-matched controls. Treatment with LY2794193 (1 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced absence seizures and depressive-like behavior in WAG/Rij rats. LY2794193 also enhanced GAT1, GLAST, and GLT-1 protein levels in the thalamus and somatosensory cortex. GRM3 and GRM5 gene variants did not differ between epileptic patients and controls. CONCLUSION We suggest that mGlu3 receptors modulate the activity of the cortico-thalamo-cortical circuit underlying SWDs and that selective mGlu3 receptor agonists are promising candidate drugs for absence epilepsy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
- I.R.C.C.S. “G. Gaslini” Institute, Genova, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, FAS@UMG Research Center, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Mahmoud Koko
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, FAS@UMG Research Center, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, FAS@UMG Research Center, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Leo
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, FAS@UMG Research Center, Catanzaro, Italy
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Aygun H, Akin AT, Kızılaslan N, Sumbul O, Karabulut D. Probiotic supplementation alleviates absence seizures and anxiety- and depression-like behavior in WAG/Rij rat by increasing neurotrophic factors and decreasing proinflammatory cytokines. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 128:108588. [PMID: 35152169 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
AIM Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic brain disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. In the present study, we investigated the effects of probiotic supplementation on absence epilepsy and anxiety-and depression-like behavior in WAG/Rij rats. MATERIAL AND METHOD Fourteen male WAG/Rij rats (absence-epileptic) and seven male Wistar rats (nonepileptic) were used. The effects of probiotic VSL#3 (12.86 bn living bacteria/kg/day for 30 day/gavage) on absence seizures, and related psychiatric comorbidities were evaluated in WAG/Rij rats. Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated by the open-field test and depression-like behavior by the forced swimming test. In addition, the brain tissues of rats were evaluated histopathologically for nerve growth factor [NGF], brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], SRY sex-determining region Y-box 2 [SOX2] and biochemically for nitric oxide [NO], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] ,and Interleukin-6 [IL-6]. RESULTS Compared to Wistar rats, WAG/Rij rats exhibited anxiety- and depression-like behavior, and had lower BDNF, NGF and SOX2 immunoreactivity, and higher TNF-α, IL-6 levels in brain tissue. VSL#3 supplementation reduced the duration and number of spike-wave discharges (SWDs) and exhibited anxiolytic or anti-depressive effect. VSL#3 supplement also increased the NGF immunoreactivity while decreasing IL-6, TNF-α and NO levels in WAG/Rij rat brain. CONCLUSION The findings of the present study showed that neurotrophins, SOX2 deficiency, and pro-inflammatory cytokines may play a role in the pathogenesis of absence epilepsy. Our data support the hypothesis that the probiotics have anti-inflammatory effect. The present study is the first to show the positive effects of probiotic bacteria on absence seizures and anxiety- and depression-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Aygun
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokat Gaziosmanpasa, Tokat, Turkey.
| | - Ali Tugrul Akin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Literature, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Nildem Kızılaslan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tokat Gaziosmanpasa Tokat, Turkey
| | - Orhan Sumbul
- Department of Neurology Faculty of Medicine University of Tokat Gaziosmanpasa, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Derya Karabulut
- Department of Histology-Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
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Chaudhary R, Albrecht S, Datunashvili M, Cerina M, Lüttjohann A, Han Y, Narayanan V, Chetkovich DM, Ruck T, Kuhlmann T, Pape HC, Meuth SG, Zobeiri M, Budde T. Modulation of Pacemaker Channel Function in a Model of Thalamocortical Hyperexcitability by Demyelination and Cytokines. Cereb Cortex 2022; 32:4397-4421. [PMID: 35076711 PMCID: PMC9574242 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A consensus is yet to be reached regarding the exact prevalence of epileptic seizures or epilepsy in multiple sclerosis (MS). In addition, the underlying pathophysiological basis of the reciprocal interaction among neuroinflammation, demyelination, and epilepsy remains unclear. Therefore, a better understanding of cellular and network mechanisms linking these pathologies is needed. Cuprizone-induced general demyelination in rodents is a valuable model for studying MS pathologies. Here, we studied the relationship among epileptic activity, loss of myelin, and pro-inflammatory cytokines by inducing acute, generalized demyelination in a genetic mouse model of human absence epilepsy, C3H/HeJ mice. Both cellular and network mechanisms were studied using in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological techniques. We found that acute, generalized demyelination in C3H/HeJ mice resulted in a lower number of spike–wave discharges, increased cortical theta oscillations, and reduction of slow rhythmic intrathalamic burst activity. In addition, generalized demyelination resulted in a significant reduction in the amplitude of the hyperpolarization-activated inward current (Ih) in thalamic relay cells, which was accompanied by lower surface expression of hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, and the phosphorylated form of TRIP8b (pS237-TRIP8b). We suggest that demyelination-related changes in thalamic Ih may be one of the factors defining the prevalence of seizures in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Chaudhary
- Institut für Physiologie I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Stefanie Albrecht
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Maia Datunashvili
- Institut für Physiologie I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Manuela Cerina
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Annika Lüttjohann
- Institut für Physiologie I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ye Han
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Venu Narayanan
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Dane M Chetkovich
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Tobias Ruck
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tanja Kuhlmann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Hans-Christian Pape
- Institut für Physiologie I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mehrnoush Zobeiri
- Address correspondence to Dr Thomas Budde, Wilhelms-Universität, Institut für Physiologie I, Robert-Koch-Str. 27a, D-48149 Münster, Germany. ; Dr Mehrnoush Zobeiri, Wilhelms-Universität, Institut für Physiologie I, Robert-Koch-Str. 27a, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Thomas Budde
- Address correspondence to Dr Thomas Budde, Wilhelms-Universität, Institut für Physiologie I, Robert-Koch-Str. 27a, D-48149 Münster, Germany. ; Dr Mehrnoush Zobeiri, Wilhelms-Universität, Institut für Physiologie I, Robert-Koch-Str. 27a, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
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Erdil A, Demirsoy MS, Çolak S, Duman E, Sümbül O, Aygun H. The effect of dexketoprofen trometamol on WAG/Rij rats with absence epilepsy (dexketoprofen in absence epilepsy). Neurol Res 2021; 43:1116-1125. [PMID: 34278977 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2021.1952510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases. Dexketoprofen (DEX) is a nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used as an analgesic. The present study aimed to assess the efficiency of DEX on WAG/Rij rats by electrophysiologically and behaviorally. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-eight male WAG/Rij rats were used. The effects of acute treatment with DEX (5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, i.p) on absence-like seizures, and related psychiatric comorbidity were assessed. The ECoG recording was taken for 180 min before and after drug injection. After drug injection and EcoG recording, anxiety-depression-like behavior was tested with the open field test for 5 min. RESULTS The 5 mg/kg DEX significantly reduced the number and duration of SWDs percentage (p < 0.05) between 120 and 180 min, but 25 and 50 mg/kg DEX significantly increased the number and duration of SWDs percentage between 0 and 30 min (p < 0.05), and after 30 min the increase stopped (p > 0.05). And also, the 5 mg/kg DEX decreased the number and duration of SWDs percentage (p < 0.05) for 180 min (p < 0.05), but 25 and 50 mg/kg DEX administration did not alter (p > 0.05). The 5, 25, and 50 mg/kg doses of DEX significantly increased the duration of grooming (p < 0.05) but did not change the number of squares crossed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Low dose DEX reduced absence-like seizures, but care should be taken when using high doses in absence epilepsy. Also, it may be beneficial for painful diseases accompanied by anxiety-depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aras Erdil
- TR Ministry of Health, Sivas Dental Health Hospital, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Sami Demirsoy
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | | | - Esra Duman
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory and Veterinary Health Program Vocational School University of Gazi Osmanpasa, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Orhan Sümbül
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine University of Gaziosmanpasa, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Hatice Aygun
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey
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Gobbo D, Scheller A, Kirchhoff F. From Physiology to Pathology of Cortico-Thalamo-Cortical Oscillations: Astroglia as a Target for Further Research. Front Neurol 2021; 12:661408. [PMID: 34177766 PMCID: PMC8219957 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.661408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The electrographic hallmark of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) and other idiopathic forms of epilepsy are 2.5-4 Hz spike and wave discharges (SWDs) originating from abnormal electrical oscillations of the cortico-thalamo-cortical network. SWDs are generally associated with sudden and brief non-convulsive epileptic events mostly generating impairment of consciousness and correlating with attention and learning as well as cognitive deficits. To date, SWDs are known to arise from locally restricted imbalances of excitation and inhibition in the deep layers of the primary somatosensory cortex. SWDs propagate to the mostly GABAergic nucleus reticularis thalami (NRT) and the somatosensory thalamic nuclei that project back to the cortex, leading to the typical generalized spike and wave oscillations. Given their shared anatomical basis, SWDs have been originally considered the pathological transition of 11-16 Hz bursts of neural oscillatory activity (the so-called sleep spindles) occurring during Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep, but more recent research revealed fundamental functional differences between sleep spindles and SWDs, suggesting the latter could be more closely related to the slow (<1 Hz) oscillations alternating active (Up) and silent (Down) cortical activity and concomitantly occurring during NREM. Indeed, several lines of evidence support the fact that SWDs impair sleep architecture as well as sleep/wake cycles and sleep pressure, which, in turn, affect seizure circadian frequency and distribution. Given the accumulating evidence on the role of astroglia in the field of epilepsy in the modulation of excitation and inhibition in the brain as well as on the development of aberrant synchronous network activity, we aim at pointing at putative contributions of astrocytes to the physiology of slow-wave sleep and to the pathology of SWDs. Particularly, we will address the astroglial functions known to be involved in the control of network excitability and synchronicity and so far mainly addressed in the context of convulsive seizures, namely (i) interstitial fluid homeostasis, (ii) K+ clearance and neurotransmitter uptake from the extracellular space and the synaptic cleft, (iii) gap junction mechanical and functional coupling as well as hemichannel function, (iv) gliotransmission, (v) astroglial Ca2+ signaling and downstream effectors, (vi) reactive astrogliosis and cytokine release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Gobbo
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Anja Scheller
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
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Karson A, Utkan T, Şahin TD, Balcı F, Arkan S, Ateş N. Etanercept rescues cognitive deficits, depression-like symptoms, and spike-wave discharge incidence in WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 115:107532. [PMID: 33444990 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory cytokines have been shown to be associated with the development of seizures in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy. Importantly, WAG/Rij rats also exhibit cognitive deficits and depression-like behaviors. It is possible that pro-inflammatory cytokines mediate these comorbid conditions of absence epilepsy given their well-established effects on cognition and affective responses. The current study investigated the potential therapeutic effect of etanercept (tumor necrosis factor inhibitor) on cognitive impairment, depression-like behavior, and spike-wave discharges (SWDs) typically observed in the WAG/Rij rats. Eight-month-old male WAG/Rij rats and Wistar controls were tested in Morris water maze (MWM), passive avoidance (PA), forced swimming, sucrose preference, and locomotor activity tests, and electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were taken from a separate group of WAG/Rij rats after 8 weeks of etanercept or vehicle treatment. Consistent with earlier work, WAG/Rij rats exhibited cognitive deficits and depression-like behavior. From these, the cognitive deficits and despair-like behavior were rescued by etanercept administration, which also reduced the frequency of SWDs without affecting their duration. Our results support the hypothesis that pro-inflammatory cytokines mediate the absence seizures and comorbid symptoms of absence epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Karson
- Kocaeli University, School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Turkey.
| | - Tijen Utkan
- Kocaeli University, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Turkey.
| | | | - Fuat Balcı
- Koç University, Department of Psychology & Research Center for Translational Medicine, Turkey
| | - Sertan Arkan
- Kocaeli University, School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Turkey
| | - Nurbay Ateş
- Kocaeli University, School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Turkey
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PATHOGENETIC MECHANISMS OF CONVULSIVE DEPRESSIVE SYNDROME IN THE CONDITIONS OF KINDLING-INDUCED MODEL OF EPILEPTOGENESIS. WORLD OF MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.26724/2079-8334-2021-1-75-181-186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Leo A, Nesci V, Tallarico M, Amodio N, Gallo Cantafio EM, De Sarro G, Constanti A, Russo E, Citraro R. IL-6 Receptor Blockade by Tocilizumab Has Anti-absence and Anti-epileptogenic Effects in the WAG/Rij Rat Model of Absence Epilepsy. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:2004-2014. [PMID: 32681356 PMCID: PMC7851197 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00893-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) both in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma is closely associated with convulsive epilepsy and symptom severity of depression. By comparison, at present, little is known about the role of this cytokine in childhood (non-convulsive) absence epilepsy. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential effects of acute and chronic treatment with tocilizumab (TCZ, 10 and 30 mg/kg/day), on absence seizures, their development, and related psychiatric comorbidity in WAG/Rij rats. It is known that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced changes in inflammatory processes increase absence epileptic activity. In order to study the central effects of TCZ, we investigated whether administration of this anti-IL-6R antibody could modulate the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or IL-6-evoked changes in absence epileptic activity in WAG/Rij rats. Our results demonstrate that TCZ, at both doses, significantly reduced the development of absence seizures in adult WAG/Rij rats at 6 months of age (1 month after treatment suspension) compared with untreated controls, thus showing disease-modifying effects. Decreased absence seizure development at 6 months of age was also accompanied by reduced comorbid depressive-like behavior, whereas no effects were observed on anxiety-related behavior. Acute treatment with TCZ, at 30 mg/kg, had anti-absence properties lasting ~25 h. The co-administration TCZ with i.c.v. LPS or IL-6 showed that TCZ inhibited the worsening of absence seizures induced by both proinflammatory agents in the WAG/Rij rats, supporting a central anti-inflammatory-like protective action. These results suggest the possible role of IL-6 and consequent neuroinflammation in the epileptogenic process underlying the development and maintenance of absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats. Accordingly, IL-6 signaling could be a promising pharmacological target in absence epilepsy and depressive-like comorbidity.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Epilepsy, Absence/drug therapy
- Epilepsy, Absence/genetics
- Epilepsy, Absence/metabolism
- Male
- Rats
- Rats, Transgenic
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Interleukin-6/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Interleukin-6/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Leo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Nesci
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Martina Tallarico
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Eugenia M Gallo Cantafio
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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12
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van Luijtelaar G, van Oijen G. Establishing Drug Effects on Electrocorticographic Activity in a Genetic Absence Epilepsy Model: Advances and Pitfalls. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:395. [PMID: 32351383 PMCID: PMC7175742 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic rat models such as rats of the WAG/Rij strain and GAERS were developed as models for generalized genetic epilepsy and in particular for childhood absence epilepsy. These animal models were described in the eighties of the previous century and both models have, among others, face, construct and predictive validity. Both models were and are currently used as models to predict the action of antiepileptic medication and other experimental treatments, to elucidate neurobiological mechanisms of spike-wave discharges and epileptogenesis. Although the electroencephalagram (EEG)/electrocorticogram (ECoG) is imperative for establishing absence seizures and to quantify the for absence epilepsy typical spike-wave discharges, monitoring the animals behavior is equally necessary. Here an overview is given regarding the design of drug evaluation studies, which animals to use, classical and new EEG variables, the monitoring and quantification of the behavior of the rats, some pitfalls regarding the interpretation of the data, and some developments in EEG technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerard van Oijen
- Donders Centre for Cognition, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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13
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Citraro R, Iannone M, Leo A, De Caro C, Nesci V, Tallarico M, Abdalla K, Palma E, Arturi F, De Sarro G, Constanti A, Russo E. Evaluation of the effects of liraglutide on the development of epilepsy and behavioural alterations in two animal models of epileptogenesis. Brain Res Bull 2019; 153:133-142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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14
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Aygun H, Ayyildiz M, Agar E. Effects of vitamin D and paricalcitol on epileptogenesis and behavioral properties of WAG/Rij rats with absence epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2019; 157:106208. [PMID: 31581040 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2019.106208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM Vitamin D (Vit D) has been considered as a neurosteroid and has a pivotal role in neuroprotection including epilepsy. Vit D regulator acts via a Vit D receptor (VDR). WAG/Rij rats have a genetically epileptic model of absence epilepsy with comorbidity of depression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Vit D and paricalcitol (PRC) on WAG/Rij rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-three male WAG/Rij rats and seven male Wistar rats were used. The effects of acute and chronic treatment with Vit D (5.000 and 60.000 IU/kg, i.p) and PRC (0.5, 5 and 10 μg/kg, i.p) on absence seizures, and related psychiatric comorbidity were investigated in WAG/Rij rats. Depression-like behavior was assayed by using the forced swimming test (FST) and; anxiety-like behavior by using the open field test (OFT). RESULTS Acute Vit D treatments (5.000 and 60.000 IU/kg) similarly reduced the number and duration of spike-wave discharges (SWDs) and showed anxiolytic-antidepressive effect whereas there were no significant changes in other measured parameters between the daily and the bolus dose of Vit D. Acute administration of PRC (0.5, 5 and 10 μg/kg) showed anti-convulsive and anxiolytic-antidepressive effect. The dose (0.5 μg/kg) of PRC was the most effective dose. Chronic treatment was more effective than acute therapy in all parameters. CONCLUSION The results of the present study demonstrate that Vit D and PRC have antiepileptic and anxiolytic-antidepressive effects on the absence epilepsy in WAG/Rij rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Aygun
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokat Gaziosmanpasa, Tokat, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Ayyildiz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Erdal Agar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Samsun, Turkey
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15
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Kovács Z, D'Agostino DP, Diamond DM, Ari C. Exogenous Ketone Supplementation Decreased the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Increase in Absence Epileptic Activity in Wistar Albino Glaxo Rijswijk Rats. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:45. [PMID: 30930744 PMCID: PMC6427924 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been demonstrated previously that exogenous ketone supplements such as ketone ester (KE) decreased absence epileptic activity in a well-studied animal model of human absence epilepsy, Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rats. It is known that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-generated changes in inflammatory processes increase absence epileptic activity, while previous studies show that ketone supplement-evoked ketosis can modulate inflammatory processes. Thus, we investigated in the present study whether administration of exogenous ketone supplements, which were mixed with standard rodent chow (containing 10% KE + 10% ketone salt/KS, % by weight, KEKS) for 10 days, can modulate the LPS-evoked changes in absence epileptic activity in WAG/Rij rats. At first, KEKS food alone was administered and changes in spike-wave discharge (SWD) number, SWD time, discharge frequency within SWDs, blood glucose, and beta-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) levels, as well as body weight and sleep-waking stages were measured. In a separate experiment, intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of LPS (50 μg/kg) alone and a cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2) inhibitor indomethacin (10 mg/kg) alone, as well as combined IP injection of indomethacin with LPS (indomethacin + LPS) were applied in WAG/Rij rats to elucidate their influences on SWD number. In order to determine whether KEKS food can modify the LPS-evoked changes in SWD number, KEKS food in combination with IP LPS (50 μg/kg) (KEKS + LPS), as well as KEKS food with IP indomethacin (10 mg/kg) and LPS (50 μg/kg) (KEKS + indomethacin + LPS) were also administered. We demonstrated that KEKS food significantly increased blood βHB levels and decreased not only the spontaneously generated absence epileptic activity (SWD number), but also the LPS-evoked increase in SWD number in WAG/Rij rats. Our results suggest that administration of exogenous ketone supplements (ketogenic foods) may be a promising therapeutic tool in the treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Kovács
- Department of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Savaria University Centre, Szombathely, Hungary
| | - Dominic P D'Agostino
- Laboratory of Metabolic Medicine, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.,Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Ocala, FL, United States
| | - David M Diamond
- Laboratory of Metabolic Medicine, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.,Comparative Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Csilla Ari
- Comparative Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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16
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Dede F, Karadenizli S, Ozsoy OD, Eraldemir FC, Sahin D, Ates N. Antagonism of adenosinergic system decrease SWD occurrence via an increment in thalamic NFkB and IL-6 in absence epilepsy. J Neuroimmunol 2019; 326:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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17
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Russo E, Citraro R. Pharmacology of epileptogenesis and related comorbidities in the WAG/Rij rat model of genetic absence epilepsy. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 310:54-62. [PMID: 29857008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Animal studies currently represent the best source of information also in the field of epileptogenesis research. Many animal models have been proposed and studied so far both from the pathophysiological and pharmacological point of view. Furthermore, they are widely used for the identification of potentially clinically valuable biomarkers. The WAG/Rij rat model, similarly to other genetic animal strains, represents a suitable animal model of absence epileptogenesis accompanied by depressive-like and cognitive comorbidities. Generally, animal models of epileptogenesis are characterized by an identifiable initial insult (e.g. traumatic brain injury), a latent phase lasting up to the appearance of the first spontaneous seizure and a chronic phase characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures. In most of genetic models: the initial insult should be defined as the mutation causing epilepsy, which is not clearly defined in the WAG/Rij rat model; the latent phase ends at the appearance of the first spontaneous seizure, which is about 2-3 months of age in WAG/Rij rats and thereafter the chronic phase. WAG/Rij rats also display depressive-like comorbidity around the age of 4 months, which is apparently linked to the development of absence seizures considering both its ontogeny and the fact that drugs affecting absence seizures development also block the development of depressive-like behavior. Finally, WAG/Rij rats also display cognitive impairment in some memory tasks, however, this has not been yet definitively linked to absence seizures development and may represent an epiphenomenon. This review is focused on the effects of pharmacological treatments against epileptogenesis and their effects on comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy
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18
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Lakatos RK, Dobolyi Á, Kovács Z. Uric acid and allopurinol aggravate absence epileptic activity in Wistar Albino Glaxo Rijswijk rats. Brain Res 2018; 1686:1-9. [PMID: 29457994 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Uric acid has a role in several physiological and pathophysiological processes. For example, uric acid may facilitate seizure generalization while reducing uric acid level may evoke anticonvulsant/antiepileptic effects. Allopurinol blocks the activity of xanthine oxidase, by which allopurinol inhibits catabolism of hypoxanthine to xanthine and uric acid and, as a consequence, decreases the level of uric acid. Although the modulation of serum uric acid level is a widely used strategy in the treatment of certain diseases, our knowledge regarding the effects of uric acid on epileptic activity is far from complete. Thus, the main aim of this study was the investigation of the effect of uric acid on absence epileptic seizures (spike-wave discharges: SWDs) in a model of human absence epilepsy, the Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rat. We investigated the influence of intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected uric acid (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), allopurinol (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg), a cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2) inhibitor indomethacin (10 mg/kg) and inosine (500 mg/kg) alone and the combined application of allopurinol (50 mg/kg) with uric acid (100 mg/kg) or inosine (500 mg/kg) as well as indomethacin (10 mg/kg) with uric acid (100 mg/kg) and inosine (500 mg/kg) with uric acid (100 mg/kg) on absence epileptic activity. We demonstrated that both uric acid and allopurinol alone significantly increased the number of SWDs whereas indomethacin abolished the uric acid-evoked increase in SWD number. Our results suggest that uric acid and allopurinol have proepileptic effects in WAG/Rij rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renáta Krisztina Lakatos
- Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Savaria Department of Biology, Savaria University Centre, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Szombathely, Hungary.
| | - Árpád Dobolyi
- Laboratory of Neuromorphology and Human Brain Tissue Bank, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-ELTE Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Zsolt Kovács
- Savaria Department of Biology, Savaria University Centre, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Szombathely, Hungary.
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19
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Pathophysiology of absence epilepsy: Insights from genetic models. Neurosci Lett 2018; 667:53-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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20
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Leo A, Citraro R, Amodio N, De Sarro C, Gallo Cantafio ME, Constanti A, De Sarro G, Russo E. Fingolimod Exerts only Temporary Antiepileptogenic Effects but Longer-Lasting Positive Effects on Behavior in the WAG/Rij Rat Absence Epilepsy Model. Neurotherapeutics 2017; 14:1134-1147. [PMID: 28653281 PMCID: PMC5722759 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-017-0550-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the major challenges in the epilepsy field is identifying disease-modifying drugs in order to prevent or delay spontaneous recurrent seizure onset or to cure already established epilepsy. It has been recently reported that fingolimod, currently approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, has demonstrated antiepileptogenic effects in 2 different preclinical models of acquired epilepsy. However, to date, no data exist regarding the role of fingolimod against genetic epilepsy. Therefore, we have addressed this issue by studying the effects of fingolimod in Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rats, a well-established genetic model of absence epilepsy, epileptogenesis, and neuropsychiatric comorbidity. Our results have demonstrated that an early long-term treatment with fingolimod (1 mg/kg/day), started before absence seizure onset, has both antiepileptogenic and antidepressant-like effects in WAG/Rij rats. However, these effects were transitory, as 5 months after treatment discontinuation, both absence seizure and depressive like-behavior returned to control levels. Furthermore, a temporary reduction of mTOR signaling pathway activity, indicated by reduced phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin and phosphorylated p70S6k levels, and by increased phosphorylated Akt in WAG/Rij rats of 6 months of age accompanied the transitory antiepileptogenic effects of fingolimod. Surprisingly, fingolimod has demonstrated longer-lasting positive effects on cognitive decline in this strain. This effect was accompanied by an increased acetylation of lysine 8 of histone H4 (at both 6 and 10 months of age). In conclusion, our results support the antiepileptogenic effects of fingolimod. However, the antiepileptogenic effects were transitory. Moreover, fingolimod might also have a positive impact on animal behavior and particularly in protecting the development of memory decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Leo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University and Translational Medical Oncology Unit, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Caterina De Sarro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Eugenia Gallo Cantafio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University and Translational Medical Oncology Unit, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
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Dezsi G, Sieg F, Thomas M, O’Brien TJ, van der Hart M, Jones NC. Disease-Modifying Effects of Neural Regeneration Peptide 2945 in the GAERS Model of Absence Epilepsy. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:2055-2064. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2305-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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22
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Russo E, Citraro R, Constanti A, Leo A, Lüttjohann A, van Luijtelaar G, De Sarro G. Upholding WAG/Rij rats as a model of absence epileptogenesis: Hidden mechanisms and a new theory on seizure development. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 71:388-408. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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23
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Modulatory effects of inosine, guanosine and uridine on lipopolysaccharide-evoked increase in spike-wave discharge activity in Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rijswijk rats. Brain Res Bull 2015; 118:46-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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24
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Citraro R, Leo A, Marra R, De Sarro G, Russo E. Antiepileptogenic effects of the selective COX-2 inhibitor etoricoxib, on the development of spontaneous absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats. Brain Res Bull 2015; 113:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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25
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Early molecular and behavioral response to lipopolysaccharide in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy and depressive-like behavior, involves interplay between AMPK, AKT/mTOR pathways and neuroinflammatory cytokine release. Brain Behav Immun 2014; 42:157-68. [PMID: 24998197 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2014.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has been recently indicated as a suitable drug target for the prevention of epileptogenesis. The mTOR pathway is known for its involvement in the control of the immune system. Since neuroinflammation is recognized as a major contributor to epileptogenesis, we wished to examine whether the neuroprotective effects of mTOR modulation could involve a suppression of the neuroinflammatory process in epileptic brain. We have investigated the early molecular mechanisms involved in the effects of intracerebral administration of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy, in relation to seizure generation and depressive-like behavior; we also tested whether the effects of LPS could be modulated by treatment with rapamycin (RAP), a specific mTOR inhibitor. We determined, in specific rat brain areas, levels of p-mTOR/p-p70S6K and also p-AKT/p-AMPK as downstream or upstream indicators of mTOR activity and tested the effects of LPS and RAP co-administration. Changes in the brain levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α and their relative mRNA expression levels were measured, and the involvement of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was also examined in vitro. We confirmed that RAP inhibits the aggravation of absence seizures and depressive-like/sickness behavior induced by LPS in the WAG/Rij rats through the activation of mTOR and show that this effect is correlated with the ability of RAP to dampen and delay LPS increases in neuroinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, most likely through inhibition of the activation of NF-κB. Our results suggest that such a mechanism could contribute to the antiseizure, antiepileptogenic and behavioral effects of RAP and further highlight the potential therapeutic usefulness of mTOR inhibition in the management of human epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Furthermore, we show that LPS-dependent neuroinflammatory effects are also mediated by a complex interplay between AKT, AMPK and mTOR with specificity to selective brain areas. In conclusion, neuroinflammation appears to be a highly coordinated phenomenon, where timing of intervention may be carefully evaluated in order to identify the best suitable target.
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Citraro R, Chimirri S, Aiello R, Gallelli L, Trimboli F, Britti D, De Sarro G, Russo E. Protective effects of some statins on epileptogenesis and depressive-like behavior in WAG/Rij rats, a genetic animal model of absence epilepsy. Epilepsia 2014; 55:1284-91. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
| | - Serafina Chimirri
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
| | - Rossana Aiello
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
| | - Francesca Trimboli
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
| | - Domenico Britti
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
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27
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Kovács Z, Dobolyi Á, Juhász G, Kékesi KA. Lipopolysaccharide induced increase in seizure activity in two animal models of absence epilepsy WAG/Rij and GAERS rats and Long Evans rats. Brain Res Bull 2014; 104:7-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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