Depletion of reduced glutathione precedes inactivation of mitochondrial enzymes following limbic status epilepticus in the rat hippocampus

The immune system and metabolic products in epilepsy and glioma-associated epilepsy: emerging therapeutic directions

Epilepsy has a profound impact on quality of life. Despite the development of new antiseizure medications (ASMs), approximately one-third of affected patients have drug-refractory epilepsy and are nonresponsive to medical treatment. Nearly all currently approved ASMs target neuronal activity through ion channel modulation. Recent human and animal model studies have implicated new immunotherapeutic and metabolomic approaches that may benefit patients with epilepsy. In this Review, we detail the proinflammatory immune landscape of epilepsy and contrast this with the immunosuppressive microenvironment in patients with glioma-related epilepsy. In the tumor setting, excessive neuronal activity facilitates immunosuppression, thereby contributing to subsequent glioma progression. Metabolic modulation of the IDH1-mutant pathway provides a dual pathway for reversing immune suppression and dampening seizure activity. Elucidating the relationship between neurons and immunoreactivity is an area for the prioritization and development of the next era of ASMs.

Increasing glutathione levels by a novel posttranslational mechanism inhibits neuronal hyperexcitability

Glutathione (GSH) depletion, and impaired redox homeostasis have been observed in experimental animal models and patients with epilepsy. Pleiotropic strategies that elevate GSH levels via transcriptional regulation have been shown to significantly decrease oxidative stress and seizure frequency, increase seizure threshold, and rescue certain cognitive deficits. Whether elevation of GSH per se alters neuronal hyperexcitability remains unanswered. We previously showed that thiols such as dimercaprol (DMP) elevate GSH via post-translational activation of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), the rate limiting GSH biosynthetic enzyme. Here, we asked if elevation of cellular GSH by DMP altered neuronal hyperexcitability in-vitro and in-vivo. Treatment of primary neuronal-glial cerebrocortical cultures with DMP elevated GSH and inhibited a voltage-gated potassium channel blocker (4-aminopyridine, 4AP) induced neuronal hyperexcitability. DMP increased GSH in wildtype (WT) zebrafish larvae and significantly attenuated convulsant pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced acute 'seizure-like' swim behavior. DMP treatment increased GSH and inhibited convulsive, spontaneous 'seizure-like' swim behavior in the Dravet Syndrome (DS) zebrafish larvae (scn1Lab). Furthermore, DMP treatment significantly decreased spontaneous electrographic seizures and associated seizure parameters in scn1Lab zebrafish larvae. We investigated the role of the redox-sensitive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway due to the presence of several cysteine-rich proteins and their involvement in regulating neuronal excitability. Treatment of primary neuronal-glial cerebrocortical cultures with 4AP or l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), an irreversible inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis, significantly increased mTOR complex I (mTORC1) activity which was rescued by pre-treatment with DMP. Furthermore, BSO-mediated GSH depletion oxidatively modified the tuberous sclerosis protein complex (TSC) consisting of hamartin (TSC1), tuberin (TSC2), and TBC1 domain family member 7 (TBC1D7) which are critical negative regulators of mTORC1. In summary, our results suggest that DMP-mediated GSH elevation by a novel post-translational mechanism can inhibit neuronal hyperexcitability both in-vitro and in-vivo and a plausible link is the redox sensitive mTORC1 pathway.

Distinct Cell-specific Roles of NOX2 and MyD88 in Epileptogenesis

It is well established that temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is often related to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Both processes subserve alterations observed in epileptogenesis and ultimately involve distinct classes of cells, including astrocytes, microglia, and specific neural subtypes. For this reason, molecules associated with oxidative stress response and neuroinflammation have been proposed as potential targets for therapeutic strategies. However, these molecules can participate in distinct intracellular pathways depending on the cell type. To illustrate this, we reviewed the potential role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 2 (NOX2) and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) in astrocytes, microglia, and neurons in epileptogenesis. Furthermore, we presented approaches to study genes in different cells, employing single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq) transcriptomic analyses, transgenic technologies and viral serotypes carrying vectors with specific promoters. We discussed the importance of identifying particular roles of molecules depending on the cell type, endowing more effective therapeutic strategies to treat TLE.

The Antioxidant Effect of Medicago sativa L. (Alfalfa) Ethanolic Extract against Mercury Chloride (HgCl2) Toxicity in Rat Liver and Kidney: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Heavy metals such as mercury are some of the environmental pollutants and can induce toxicity by bioaccumulation and oxidative damage. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of Medicago sativa L. (Alfalfa) on mercury damage in the kidney and liver of rats. Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, the control group, S group (2 mg/kg mercury chloride), and T1, T2, and T3 groups that, in addition to mercury, received doses of 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg of the alfalfa extract. On the last day, blood samples were taken, and the serum was separated to measure biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in the kidney and liver. A part of the kidney and liver was also used for histopathological evaluation. Total phenols and flavonoids were 40.45 ± 2.12 and 14.36 ± 0.45 mg/g, respectively, whereas IC₅₀ was 245.18 ± 19.76 μg/ml. The body weight significantly decreased in the S group compared to other groups, while treatment with different doses of alfalfa extract increased the body weight. Mercury concentration in the kidney was higher than that in the liver. The serum levels of urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) significantly increased in the S group compared to the control group, while treatment with different doses of alfalfa extract increased their levels. Moreover, an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and a decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were observed in the S group. The level of these parameters significantly improved in the groups receiving the extract compared to the S group. Furthermore, the histopathological evaluation showed glomerular and tubular damage and hepatic necrosis in the S group and that these conditions improved in the T3 group. The findings of this study showed that the ethanolic extract of alfalfa in a dose-dependent manner has potentially unique protective effects against mercury poisoning in the kidney and liver.

Impairments in Oxidative Glucose Metabolism in Epilepsy and Metabolic Treatments Thereof

There is mounting evidence that oxidative glucose metabolism is impaired in epilepsy and recent work has further characterized the metabolic mechanisms involved. In healthy people eating a traditional diet, including carbohydrates, fats and protein, the major energy substrate in brain is glucose. Cytosolic glucose metabolism generates small amounts of energy, but oxidative glucose metabolism in the mitochondria generates most ATP, in addition to biosynthetic precursors in cells. Energy is crucial for the brain to signal "normally," while loss of energy can contribute to seizure generation by destabilizing membrane potentials and signaling in the chronic epileptic brain. Here we summarize the known biochemical mechanisms that contribute to the disturbance in oxidative glucose metabolism in epilepsy, including decreases in glucose transport, reduced activity of particular steps in the oxidative metabolism of glucose such as pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, and increased anaplerotic need. This knowledge justifies the use of alternative brain fuels as sources of energy, such as ketones, TCA cycle intermediates and precursors as well as even medium chain fatty acids and triheptanoin.

Protective effect of some plant oils on diazinon induced hepatorenal toxicity in male rats

Environmental pollution and exposure to environmental pollutants are still some of the major global health issues. Pesticides have been linked to a wide range of health hazards. The toxicity of pesticides depends on several factors such as its chemical properties, doses, exposure period, exposure methods, gender, genetics, age, nutritional status and physiological case of exposed individuals. Medicinal plants, natural products and nutrition continue to play a central role in the healthcare system of large proportions of the world's population. Alternative medicine plays an important role in health services around the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of olive, sesame and black seed oils on hepatorenal toxicity induced by diazinon (DZN) in male rats. The experimental animals were divided into nine groups. The first group served as control. The second group was exposed to DZN. The third group was treated with olive oil and DZN. Rats of the fourth group were subjected to sesame oil and DZN. Rats of the fifth group were exposed to black seed oil and DZN. The sixth, seventh and eighth groups were supplemented with olive, sesame and black seed oils respectively. Rats of the ninth group were treated with corn oil. Levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and malondialdehyde were significantly increased in rats exposed to DZN. Moreover, levels of serum glutathione and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased. Several histopathological changes were observed in the structures of liver and kidney due to DZN exposure. This study showed that these oils attenuated the physiological disturbances and histopathological alterations induced by DZN intoxication. Moreover, the antioxidant properties of these oils support the bioactive roles of its protective effects on DZN toxicity. This study therefore suggests that these oils could be used as preventive factors against the toxicity of DZN due to its antioxidant properties.

Antagomirs Targeting MiroRNA-134 Attenuates Epilepsy in Rats through Regulation of Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Functions and Autophagy

The effects of the existing anti-epileptic drugs are unsatisfactory to almost one third of epileptic patients. MiR-134 antagomirs prevent pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. In this study, a lithium chloride-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus model was established and treated with intracerebroventricular injection of antagomirs targeting miR-134 (Ant-134). The Ant-134 treatment significantly improved the performance of rats in Morris water maze tests, inhibited mossy fiber sprouting in the dentate gyrus, and increased the survival neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region. Silencing of miR-134 remarkably decreased malonaldehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal levels and increased superoxide dismutase activity in the hippocampus. The Ant-134 treatment also significantly increased the production of ATP and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory enzyme complexes and significantly decreased the reactive oxygen species generation in the hippocampus compared with the status epilepticus rats. Finally, the Ant-134 treatment remarkably downregulated the hippocampal expressions of autophagy-associated proteins Atg5, beclin-1 and light chain 3B. In conclusion, Ant-134 attenuates epilepsy via inhibiting oxidative stress, improving mitochondrial functions and regulating autophagy in the hippocampus.

Energetic, oxidative and ionic exchange in rat brain and liver mitochondria at experimental audiogenic epilepsy (Krushinsky-Molodkina model)

The role of brain and liver mitochondria at epileptic seizure was studied on Krushinsky-Molodkina (KM) rats which respond to sound with an intensive epileptic seizure (audiogenic epilepsy). We didn't find significant changes in respiration rats of brain and liver mitochondria of KM and control rats; however the efficiency of АТР synthesis in the KM rat mitochondria was 10% lower. In rats with audiogenic epilepsy the concentration of oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde in mitochondria of the brain (but not liver) was 2-fold higher than that in the control rats. The rate of H2O2 generation in brain mitochondria of КМ rats was twofold higher than in the control animals when using NAD-dependent substrates. This difference was less pronounced in liver mitochondria. In KM rats, the activity of mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channel was lower than in liver mitochondria of control rats. The comparative study of the mitochondria ability to retain calcium ions revealed that in the case of using the complex I and complex II substrates, permeability transition pore is easier to trigger in brain and liver mitochondria of KM and КМs rats than in the control ones. The role of the changes in the energetic, oxidative, and ionic exchange in the mechanism of audiogenic epilepsy generation in rats and the possible correction of the epilepsy seizures are discussed.

N-acetylcysteine attenuates nicotine-induced kindling in female periadolescent rats

Kindling is a form of behavioral sensitization that is related to the progression of several neuropsychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder. We recently demonstrated that female periadolescent rats are more vulnerable to nicotine (NIC)-induced kindling than their male counterparts. Furthermore, we evidenced that decreases in brain antioxidative defenses may contribute to this gender difference. Here we aimed to determine the preventive effects of the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against NIC-kindling in female periadolescent rats. To do this female Wistar rats at postnatal day 30 received repeated injections of NIC 2mg/kg, i.p. every weekday for up to 19 days. NAC90, 180 or 270 mg/kg, i.p. was administered 30 min before NIC. The levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, lipid peroxidation (LP) and nitrite were determined in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HC) and striatum (ST). The development of kindling occurred at a median time of 16.5 days with 87.5% of NIC animals presenting stage 5 seizures in the last day of drug administration. NAC270 prevented the occurrence of kindling. NIC-kindled animals presented decreased levels of GSH and increased LP in the PFC, HC and ST, while SOD activity was decreased in the ST. NAC180 or 270 prevented the alterations in GSH induced by NIC, but only NAC270 prevented the alterations in LP. Nitrite levels increased in the ST of NAC270 pretreated NIC-kindled animals. Taken together we demonstrated that NAC presents anti-kindling effects in female animals partially through the restoration of oxidative alterations.

Microglial ROS production in an electrical rat post-status epilepticus model of epileptogenesis

Reactive oxygen species and inflammatory signaling have been identified as pivotal pathophysiological factors contributing to epileptogenesis. Considering the development of combined anti-inflammatory and antioxidant treatment strategies with antiepileptogenic potential, a characterization of the time course of microglial reactive oxygen species generation during epileptogenesis is of major interest. Thus, we isolated microglia cells and analyzed the generation of reactive oxygen species by flow cytometric analysis in an electrical rat post-status epilepticus model. Two days post status epilepticus, a large-sized cell cluster exhibited a pronounced response with excessive production of reactive oxygen species upon stimulation with phorbol-myristate-acetate. Neither in the latency phase nor in the chronic phase with spontaneous seizures a comparable cell population with induction of reactive oxygen species was identified. We were able to demonstrate in the electrical rat post-status-epilepticus model, that microglial ROS generation reaches a peak after the initial insult, is only marginally increased in the latency phase, and returns to control levels during the chronic epileptic phase. The data suggest that a combination of anti-inflammatory and radical scavenging approaches might only be beneficial during a short time window after an epileptogenic brain insult.

Oxidative stress in immature brain following experimentally-induced seizures

The existing data indicate that status epilepticus (SE) induced in immature animals is associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This has been demonstrated using two models of SE, induced by substances with a different mechanism of action (DL-homocysteic acid and 4-aminopyridine) which suggests that the findings are not model-dependent but they reflect more general phenomenon. Oxidative stress occurring in immature brain during and following seizures is apparently due to both the increased free radicals production and the limited antioxidant defense. Pronounced inhibition of mitochondrial complex I in immature brain was demonstrated not only during the acute phase of SE, but it persisted during long periods of survival, corresponding to the development of spontaneous seizures (epileptogenesis). The findings suggest that oxidative modification is most likely responsible for the sustained deficiency of complex I activity. It can be assumed that the substances with antioxidant properties combined with conventional therapies might provide a beneficial effect in treatment of epilepsy.

Epileptic focus and alteration of metabolism

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic disorders affecting a substantial part of the population worldwide. Epileptic seizures represent the situation of increased neuronal activity associated with the enhanced demands for sufficient energy supply. For that purpose, very efficient regulatory mechanisms have to operate to ensure that cerebral blood flow, delivery of oxygen, and nutrients are continuously adapted to the local metabolic needs. The sophisticated regulation has to function in concert at several levels (systemic, tissue, cellular, and subcellular). Particularly, mitochondria play a key role not only in the energy production, but they are also central to many other processes including those leading to neuronal death. Impairment of any of the involved pathways can result in serious functional alterations, neurodegeneration, and potentially in epileptogenesis. The present review will address some of the important issues concerning vascular and metabolic changes in pathophysiology of epilepsy.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in epilepsy

Epilepsy is the most common neurologic disorder worldwide and is characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. The mitochondrial (mt) respiratory chain is the final common pathway for cellular energy production through the process of oxidative phosphorylation. As neurons are terminally differentiated cells that lack significant regenerative capacity and have a high energy demand, they are more vulnerable to mt dysfunction. Therefore, epileptic seizures have been well described in several diseases such as mt encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes and myoclonic epilepsy and ragged red fibers, which are caused by gene mutations in mtDNA, among others. Mutations in nuclear DNA regulating mt function are also being described (eg, POLG gene mutation). The role of mitochondria (mt) in acquired epilepsies, which account for about 60% of all epilepsies, is equally important but less well understood. Oxidative stress is one of the possible mechanisms in the pathogenesis of epilepsy resulting from mt dysfunction gradually disrupting the intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis, which modulates neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, making neurons more vulnerable to additional stress, and leading to energy failure and neuronal loss in epilepsy. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) also affect mt function in several ways. There must be caution when treating epilepsy in patients with known mt disorders as some AEDs are toxic to the mt. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the effect of mt disorders on epilepsy, of epileptic seizures on mt, and of AEDs on mt function and the implications of all these interactions for the management of epilepsy in patients with or without mt disease.

Differences in vulnerability to nicotine-induced kindling between female and male periadolescent rats

RATIONALE

It has recently been reported that chronic nicotine administration at subconvulsive doses causes seizures, a phenomenon referred to as kindling. Evidence points to the involvement of oxidative stress in pharmacological and electrical kindling, sex is known to influence the brain's response to nicotine.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the sex differences in vulnerability to nicotine-induced kindling and the involvement of oxidative stress in this phenomenon.

METHODS

Male and female periadolescent Wistar rats received repeated injections of a subconvulsive dose of nicotine (hemisulfate salt; 2 mg/kg, i.p.) every weekday for up to 25 days. To better understand the influence of oxidative stress in nicotine kindling, the antioxidant vitamin E (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered prior to nicotine administration. The levels of gluthatione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and lipid peroxidation were determined in the hippocampus (HC), prefrontal cortex (PFC), and striatum.

RESULTS

Female animals developed kindling more rapidly than male rats. In female rats, kindling was associated with decreases in antioxidant defenses, including GSH levels in the HC and striatum and SOD activity in the PFC and striatum, and increased lipid peroxidation in all brain areas studied. By contrast, male kindled animals presented only with a decrease in the GSH in the HC. Vitamin E prevented the occurrence of kindled seizures by 80 % and 75 % in male and female rats, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These novel findings indicate that female periadolescent rats develop nicotine-kindled seizures earlier than their male counterparts. Differences in the oxidative balance may be involved in this mechanism.

The role of reactive species in epileptogenesis and influence of antiepileptic drug therapy on oxidative stress

Epilepsy is considered one of the most common neurological disorders. The focus of this review is the acquired form of epilepsy, with the development process consisting of three major phases, the acute injury phase, the latency epileptogenesis phase, and the phase of spontaneous recurrent seizures. Nowadays, an increasing attention is paid to the possible interrelationship between oxidative stress resulting in disturbance of physiological signalling roles of calcium and free radicals in neuronal cells and mitochondrial dysfunction, cell damage, and epilepsy. The positive stimulation of mitochondrial calcium signals by reactive oxygen species and increased reactive oxygen species generation resulting from increased mitochondrial calcium can lead to a positive feedback loop. We propose that calcium can pose both, physiological and pathological effects of mitochondrial function, which can lead in neuronal cell death and consequent epileptic seizures. Various antiepileptic drugs may impair the endogenous antioxidative ability to prevent oxidative stress. Therefore, some antiepileptic drugs, especially from the older generation, may trigger oxygen-dependent tissue injury. The prooxidative effects of these antiepileptic drugs might lead to enhancement of seizure activity, resulting in loss of their efficacy or apparent functional tolerance and undesired adverse effects. Additionally, various reactive metabolites of antiepileptic drugs are capable of covalent binding to macromolecules which may lead to deterioration of the epileptic seizures and systemic toxicity. Since neuronal loss seems to be one of the major neurobiological abnormalities in the epileptic brain, the ability of antioxidants to attenuate seizure generation and the accompanying changes in oxidative burden, further support an important role of antioxidants as having a putative antiepileptic potential.

Effects of selenium and topiramate on cytosolic Ca(2+) influx and oxidative stress in neuronal PC12 cells

It has been widely suggested that selenium (Se) deficiency play an important role in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. It has been reported that Se provides protection against the neuronal damage in patients and animals with epilepsy by restoring the antioxidant defense mechanism. The neuroprotective effects of topiramate (TPM) have been reported in several studies but the putative mechanism of action remains elusive. We investigated effects of Se and TPM in neuronal PC12 cell by evaluating Ca(2+) mobilization, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant levels. PC12 cells were divided into eight groups namely control, TPM, Se, H(2)O(2), TPM + H(2)O(2), Se + H(2)O(2), Se + TPM and Se + TPM + H(2)O(2). The toxic doses and times of H(2)O(2), TPM and Se were determined by cell viability assay which is used to evaluate cell viability. Cells were incubated with 0.01 mM TPM for 5 h and 500 nM Se for 10 h. Then, the cells were exposed to 0.1 mM H(2)O(2) for 10 h before analysis. The cells in all groups except control, TPM and Se were exposed to H(2)O(2) for 15 min before analysis. Cytosolic Ca(2+) release and lipid peroxidation levels were higher in H(2)O(2) group than in control, Se and TPM combination groups although their levels were decreased by incubation of Se and TPM combination. However, there is no difference on Ca(2+) release in TPM group. Glutathione peroxidase activity, reduced glutathione and vitamin C levels in the cells were lower in H(2)O(2) group than in control, Se and TPM groups although their values were higher in the cells incubated with Se and TPM groups than in H(2)O(2) groups. In conclusion, these results indicate that Se induced protective effects on oxidative stress in PC12 cells by modulating cytosolic Ca(2+) influx and antioxidant levels. TPM modulated also lipid peroxidation and glutathione and vitamin C concentrations in the cell system.

Thiol oxidation and altered NR2B/NMDA receptor functions in in vitro and in vivo pilocarpine models: implications for epileptogenesis

Hippocampal sclerosis, the main pathological sign of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), is associated with oxidative injury, altered N-methyl d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) stoichiometry, and loss of hippocampal neurons. However, the mechanisms that drive the chronic progression of TLE remain elusive. Our previous studies have shown that NADPH oxidase activation and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation are required for the up-regulation of the predominantly pre-synaptic NR2B subunit auto-receptor in both in vitro and in vivo pilocarpine (PILO) models of TLE. To provide further understanding of the cellular responses during the early-stages of hyper excitability, we investigated the role of oxidative damage and altered NR2B functions. In rat primary hippocampal cultures, we found that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) prevented PILO-mediated thiol oxidation, apoptosis, cell death and NR2B subunit over-expression. Interestingly, NAC did not block thiol oxidation when added to the neurons 6h after the PILO exposure, suggesting that disulfide formation could rapidly become an irreversible phenomenon. Moreover, NAC pre-treatment did not prevent PILO-induced NR2A subunit over-expression, a critical event in hippocampal sclerosis. Pre-treatment with the highly specific NR2B subunit inhibitor, ifenprodil, partially decreased PILO-mediated thiol oxidation and was not effective in preventing apoptosis and cell death. However, if acutely administered 48h after PILO exposure, ifenprodil blocked glutamate-induced aberrant calcium influx, suggesting the crucial role of NR2B over-expression in triggering neuronal hyper-excitability. Furthermore, ifenprodil treatment was able to prevent NR2A subunit over-expression by means of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Our findings indicate oxidative stress and NR2B/NMDA signaling as promising therapeutic targets for co-treatments aimed to prevent chronic epilepsy following the seizure onset.

Modulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function by the ketogenic diet

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low carbohydrate diet that is used as a therapy for intractable epilepsy. However, the mechanism(s) by which the KD achieves neuroprotection and/or seizure control are not yet known. The broad efficacy of the KD in diverse epilepsies coupled with its profound influence on metabolism suggests that mitochondrial functions may be critical in its mechanism(s) of seizure control. Mitochondria subserve important cellular functions that include the production of cellular ATP, control of apoptosis, maintenance of calcium homeostasis and the production and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This review will focus on recent literature reporting the regulation of mitochondrial functions and redox signaling by the KD. The review highlights a potential mechanism of the KD involving the production of low levels of redox signaling molecules such as H(2)O(2) and electrophiles e.g. 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), which in turn activate adaptive pathways such as the protective transcription factor, NF E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). This can ultimately result in increased production of antioxidants (e.g. GSH) and detoxification enzymes which may be critical in mediating the protective effects of the KD.

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.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in epilepsy

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified as one potential cause of epileptic seizures. Impaired mitochondrial function has been reported for the seizure focus of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and Ammon's horn sclerosis and of adult and immature animal models of epilepsy. Since mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation provides the major source of ATP in neurons and mitochondria participate in cellular Ca(2+) homeostasis and generation of reactive oxygen species, their dysfunction strongly affects neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Therefore, mitochondrial dysfunction is proposed to be highly relevant for seizure generation. Additionally, mitochondrial dysfunction is known to trigger neuronal cell death, which is a prominent feature of therapy-resistant epilepsy. For this reason mitochondria have to be considered as promising targets for neuroprotective strategies in epilepsy.

The potential role of mitochondrial dysfunction in seizure-associated cell death in the hippocampus and epileptogenesis

Epilepsy is considered one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide. The burst firing neurons associated with prolonged epileptic discharges could lead to a large number of changes with events of cascades at the cellular level. From its role as the cellular powerhouse, mitochondria also play a crucial role in the mechanisms of cell death. Emerging evidence has shown that prolonged seizures may result in mitochondrial dysfunction and increase of oxidative and nitrosative stress in the hippocampus that precede neuronal cell death and cause subsequent epileptogenesis. The selective dysfunction of mitochondrial respiratory chain Complex I has been suggested to be a biochemical hallmark of seizure-induced neuronal cell death and epileptogenesis. Therefore, protection of mitochondria from bioenergetic failure and oxidative stress in the hippocampus may open a new vista to the development of effective neuroprotective strategies against seizure-induced brain damage and to the design of novel treatment perspectives against therapy-resistant forms of epilepsy.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress: a contributing link to acquired epilepsy?

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress contribute to several neurologic disorders and have recently been implicated in acquired epilepsies such as temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Acquired epilepsy is typically initiated by a brain injury followed by a "latent period" whereby molecular, biochemical and other cellular alterations occur in the brain leading to chronic epilepsy. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are emerging as factors that not only occur acutely as a result of precipitating injuries such as status epilepticus (SE), but may also contribute to epileptogenesis and chronic epilepsy. Mitochondria are the primary site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) making them uniquely vulnerable to oxidative damage that may affect neuronal excitability and seizure susceptibility. This mini-review provides an overview of evidence suggesting the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress as acute consequences of injuries that are known to incite chronic epilepsy and their involvement in the chronic stages of acquired epilepsy.

Persistent impairment of mitochondrial and tissue redox status during lithium-pilocarpine-induced epileptogenesis

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are known to occur following acute seizure activity but their contribution during epileptogenesis is largely unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the extent of mitochondrial oxidative stress, changes to redox status, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage during epileptogenesis in the lithium-pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Mitochondrial oxidative stress, changes in tissue and mitochondrial redox status, and mtDNA damage were assessed in the hippocampus and neocortex of Sprague-Dawley rats at time points (24h to 3months) following lithium-pilocarpine administration. A time-dependent increase in mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) production coincident with increased mtDNA lesion frequency in the hippocampus was observed during epileptogenesis. Acute increases (24-48h) in H(2)O(2) production and mtDNA lesion frequency were dependent on the severity of convulsive seizure activity during initial status epilepticus. Tissue levels of GSH, GSH/GSSG, coenzyme A (CoASH), and CoASH/CoASSG were persistently impaired at all measured time points throughout epileptogenesis, that is, acutely (24-48h), during the 'latent period' (48h to 7days), and chronic epilepsy (21days to 3months). Together with our previous work, these results demonstrate the model independence of mitochondrial oxidative stress, genomic instability, and persistent impairment of mitochondrial specific redox status during epileptogenesis. Lasting impairment of mitochondrial and tissue redox status during the latent period, in addition to the acute and chronic phases of epileptogenesis, suggests that redox-dependent processes may contribute to the progression of epileptogenesis in experimental temporal lobe epilepsy.

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

In the present study, we investigated the effects of lipoic acid (LA) in the brain oxidative stress caused by pilocarpine-induced seizures in adult rats. Wistar rats were treated with 0.9% saline (i.p., control group), lipoic acid (10 mg/kg, i.p., LA group), pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, i.p., pilocarpine group), and the association of LA (10 mg/kg, i.p.) plus pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, i.p.), 30 min before the administration of LA (LA plus pilocarpine group). After the treatments, all groups were observed for 1 h. The enzyme activities [delta-aminolevulinic dehydratase (delta-ALA-D), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and Na+,K+-ATPase] as well as the glutathione-reduced (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AA) concentrations were measured using spectrophotometric methods, and the results were compared to values obtained from saline and pilocarpine-treated animals. Protective effects of LA were also evaluated on the same parameters. In pilocarpine group, no changes were observed in GPx and GR activities and AA content. Moreover, in the same group, decrease in GSH levels as well as a reduction in delta-ALA-D and Na+,K+-ATPase activities after seizures was observed. In turn, in LA plus pilocarpine group, the appearance of seizures was abolished, and the decreases in delta-ALA-D and Na+,K+-ATPase activities produced by seizures as well as increases in GSH levels and GPx activity were reversed, when compared to the pilocarpine seizing group. The results of the present study demonstrated that preadministration of LA abolished seizure episodes induced by pilocarpine in rat, probably by reducing oxidative stress in rat hippocampus caused by seizures.

Mitochondria, oxidative stress, and temporal lobe epilepsy

Mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction are contributing factors to various neurological disorders. Recently, there has been increasing evidence supporting the association between mitochondrial oxidative stress and epilepsy. Although certain inherited epilepsies are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, little is known about its role in acquired epilepsies such as temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction are emerging as key factors that not only result from seizures, but may also contribute to epileptogenesis. The occurrence of epilepsy increases with age, and mitochondrial oxidative stress is a leading mechanism of aging and age-related degenerative disease, suggesting a further involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in seizure generation. Mitochondria have critical cellular functions that influence neuronal excitability including production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), fatty acid oxidation, control of apoptosis and necrosis, regulation of amino acid cycling, neurotransmitter biosynthesis, and regulation of cytosolic Ca(2+) homeostasis. Mitochondria are the primary site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production making them uniquely vulnerable to oxidative stress and damage which can further affect cellular macromolecule function, the ability of the electron transport chain to produce ATP, antioxidant defenses, mitochondrial DNA stability, and synaptic glutamate homeostasis. Oxidative damage to one or more of these cellular targets may affect neuronal excitability and increase seizure susceptibility. The specific targeting of mitochondrial oxidative stress, dysfunction, and bioenergetics with pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments may be a novel avenue for attenuating epileptogenesis.

Sustained deficiency of mitochondrial complex I activity during long periods of survival after seizures induced in immature rats by homocysteic acid

Our previous work demonstrated the marked decrease of mitochondrial complex I activity in the cerebral cortex of immature rats during the acute phase of seizures induced by bilateral intracerebroventricular infusion of dl-homocysteic acid (600 nmol/side) and at short time following these seizures. The present study demonstrates that the marked decrease ( approximately 60%) of mitochondrial complex I activity persists during the long periods of survival, up to 5 weeks, following these seizures, i.e. periods corresponding to the development of spontaneous seizures (epileptogenesis) in this model of seizures. The decrease was selective for complex I and it was not associated with changes in the size of the assembled complex I or with changes in mitochondrial content of complex I. Inhibition of complex I was accompanied by a parallel, up to 5 weeks lasting significant increase (15-30%) of three independent mitochondrial markers of oxidative damage, 3-nitrotyrosine, 4-hydroxynonenal and protein carbonyls. This suggests that oxidative modification may be most likely responsible for the sustained deficiency of complex I activity although potential role of other factors cannot be excluded. Pronounced inhibition of complex I was not accompanied by impaired ATP production, apparently due to excess capacity of complex I documented by energy thresholds. The decrease of complex I activity was substantially reduced by treatment with selected free radical scavengers. It could also be attenuated by pretreatment with (S)-3,4-DCPG (an agonist for subtype 8 of group III metabotropic glutamate receptors) which had also a partial antiepileptogenic effect. It can be assumed that the persisting inhibition of complex I may lead to the enhanced production of reactive oxygen and/or nitrogen species, contributing not only to neuronal injury demonstrated in this model of seizures but also to epileptogenesis.

UCP-mediated free fatty acid uncoupling of isolated cortical mitochondria from fasted animals: correlations to dietary modulations

Uncoupling proteins (UCP) translocate protons from the mitochondrial intermembrane space to the matrix, thereby "uncoupling" electron transport from the production of ATP. It has been shown that these proteins are highly expressed in animals maintained on the ketogenic diet (KD). Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, it is known that these proteins are activated within a protective antireactive oxygen species (ROS) mechanism by free fatty acids (FFA). In our current studies, mitochondrial samples were probed for the presence of UCP2, which is the most ubiquitously expressed UCP isoform. We found that both traumatic brain injury and fasting upregulated the expression of UCP2, with a synergistic upregulation in fasted injured animals. We then used mitochondria from fasted naive animals to screen a number of FFA for their activation of uncoupling as well as their ability to reduce ROS. We found that arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), palmitoleic acid, myristic acid, and butyric acid increased mitochondrial uncoupling when added after oligomycin. These FFA, along with oleic acid, also reduced ROS in mitochondria incubated with oligomycin. In order to correlate our data to KD and fasting, both of which have been shown to be neuroprotective after neurologic insult, we determined the serum levels of FFA in KD and fasted animals using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. We also determined brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) FFA levels from fasted animals.

Mitochondrial DNA damage and impaired base excision repair during epileptogenesis

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are acute consequences of status epilepticus (SE). However, the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress and genomic instability during epileptogenesis remains unknown. Using the kainate animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy, we investigated oxidative mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage and changes in the mitochondrial base excision repair pathway (mtBER) in the rat hippocampus for a period of 3 months after SE. Acute seizure activity caused a time-dependent increase in mitochondrial, but not nuclear 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG/2dG) levels and a greater frequency of mtDNA lesions. This was accompanied by increased mitochondrial H2O2 production and a transient decrease in mtDNA repair capacity. The mtBER proteins 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (Ogg1) and DNA polymerase gamma (Pol gamma) demonstrated elevated expression at mRNA and protein levels shortly after SE and this was followed by a gradual improvement in mtDNA repair capacity. Recurrent seizures associated with the chronic phase of epilepsy coincided with the accumulation of mtDNA damage, increased mitochondrial H2O2 levels, decreased expression of Ogg1 and Pol gamma and impaired mtDNA repair capacity. Together, increased oxidative mtDNA damage, mitochondrial H2O2 production and alterations in the mtBER pathway provide evidence for mitochondrial oxidative stress in epilepsy and suggest that mitochondrial injury may contribute to epileptogenesis.

Plasticity of antiepileptic drug targets

The mechanisms underlying the development of drug resistance in epilepsy are complex and, at this time, not fully understood. It is widely accepted that the efficacy of an antiepileptic drug (AED) is determined by its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and bind to intraparenchymal target sites. According to the target hypothesis, pharmacoresistance occurs when target sites are structurally and/or functionally modified in such a way that they become less sensitive to AEDs. A large number of targets for AEDs have been identified in the brain, many of which undergo molecular changes during chronic epilepsy. So far, a reduced sensitivity of drug targets to AEDs in chronic human and experimental epilepsy has been suggested for the voltage-gated Na(+) channel and the GABA(A) receptor. At the molecular level, altered drug targets may arise due to the transcriptional regulation of ion channel subunit genes. Alternatively, ion channel subunits may be modified by redox modulation or phosphorylation, a set of mechanisms that may be invoked much more rapidly than transcriptional changes. In addition to functional experiments, genetic studies are currently attempting to identify polymorphisms that are specifically associated with the functional phenotypes of drug resistance and drug responsiveness in the epileptic population. It is hoped that our increased understanding of the target mechanisms underlying pharmacoresistance will lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that will improve treatment outcomes in individuals with refractory epilepsy.

Mitochondrial complex I inhibition in cerebral cortex of immature rats following homocysteic acid-induced seizures

The major finding of the present study concerns the marked decrease of respiratory chain complex I activity in the cerebral cortex of immature rats following seizures induced by bilateral intracerebroventricular infusion of dl-homocysteic acid (600 nmol/side). This decrease was already evident during the acute phase of seizures (60-90 min after infusion) and persisted for at least 20 h after the seizures. It was selective for complex I since activities of complex II and IV and citrate synthase remained unaffected. Inhibition of complex I activity was not associated with changes in complex I content. Based on enhanced lipoperoxidation and decreased aconitase activity, it can be postulated that oxidative modification is most likely responsible for the observed inhibition. Mitochondrial respiration, as well as cortical ATP levels remained in the control range, apparently due to excess capacity of the complex I documented by energy thresholds. On the other hand, the enhanced production of reactive oxygen species by inhibited complex I was observed in mitochondria from HCA-treated animals. The decrease of complex I activity was substantially attenuated when animals were treated with substances providing an anticonvulsant effect and also with selected free radical scavengers. We can assume that inhibition of complex I may elicit enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species and contribute thus to neuronal injury demonstrated in this model.

Administration of Levetiracetam after prolonged status epilepticus does not protect from mitochondrial dysfunction in a rodent model

Neuronal death and dysfunction occur after status epilepticus (SE), and is associated with mitochondrial enzyme damage. We previously showed, using the rat perforant pathway stimulation model, that levetiracetam administration (LEV; 1000 mg/kg intraperitoneal) during established SE reduces seizure severity and prevents mitochondrial dysfunction. We now show that administration of the same dose of LEV after 5h SE, does not protect from mitochondrial dysfunction.

The antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine does not prevent hippocampal glutathione loss or mitochondrial dysfunction associated with status epilepticus

Hippocampal reduced glutathione (GSH) levels diminish after status epilepticus (SE), which precedes damage to mitochondrial enzymes, which is associated with cell death. The rat perforant pathway stimulation model was used to assess whether intraperitoneal administration of the GSH precursor N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) protected against these changes. NAC (300 mg/kg) treated animals exhibited the same GSH decrease post SE as vehicle treated. Furthermore, NAC treatment had no protective effects on mitochondrial dysfunction.