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Modarres Mousavi SM, Alipour F, Noorbakhsh F, Jafarian M, Ghadipasha M, Gharehdaghi J, Kellinghaus C, Speckmann EJ, Stummer W, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A. Clinical Correlation of Altered Molecular Signatures in Epileptic Human Hippocampus and Amygdala. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:725-752. [PMID: 37658249 PMCID: PMC10861640 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03583-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Widespread alterations in the expression of various genes could contribute to the pathogenesis of epilepsy. The expression levels of various genes, including major inhibitory and excitatory receptors, ion channels, cell type-specific markers, and excitatory amino acid transporters, were assessed and compared between the human epileptic hippocampus and amygdala, and findings from autopsy controls. Moreover, the potential correlation between molecular alterations in epileptic brain tissues and the clinical characteristics of patients undergoing epilepsy surgery was evaluated. Our findings revealed significant and complex changes in the expression of several key regulatory genes in both the hippocampus and amygdala of patients with intractable epilepsy. The expression changes in various genes differed considerably between the epileptic hippocampus and amygdala. Different correlation patterns were observed between changes in gene expression and clinical characteristics, depending on whether the patients were considered as a whole or were subdivided. Altered molecular signatures in different groups of epileptic patients, defined within a given category, could be viewed as diagnostic biomarkers. Distinct patterns of molecular changes that distinguish these groups from each other appear to be associated with epilepsy-specific functional consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Alipour
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshid Noorbakhsh
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Jafarian
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Ghadipasha
- Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jaber Gharehdaghi
- Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Erwin-Josef Speckmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
- Epilepsy Research Center, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Walter Stummer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Ali Gorji
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany.
- Epilepsy Research Center, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany.
- Department of Neuroscience, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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2
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Diaz-Villegas V, Pichardo-Macías LA, Juárez-Méndez S, Ignacio-Mejía I, Cárdenas-Rodríguez N, Vargas-Hernández MA, Mendoza-Torreblanca JG, Zamudio SR. Changes in the Dentate Gyrus Gene Expression Profile Induced by Levetiracetam Treatment in Rats with Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1690. [PMID: 38338984 PMCID: PMC10855401 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most common forms of focal epilepsy. Levetiracetam (LEV) is an antiepileptic drug whose mechanism of action at the genetic level has not been fully described. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the relevant gene expression changes in the dentate gyrus (DG) of LEV-treated rats with pilocarpine-induced TLE. Whole-transcriptome microarrays were used to obtain the differential genetic profiles of control (CTRL), epileptic (EPI), and EPI rats treated for one week with LEV (EPI + LEV). Quantitative RT-qPCR was used to evaluate the RNA levels of the genes of interest. According to the results of the EPI vs. CTRL analysis, 685 genes were differentially expressed, 355 of which were underexpressed and 330 of which were overexpressed. According to the analysis of the EPI + LEV vs. EPI groups, 675 genes were differentially expressed, 477 of which were downregulated and 198 of which were upregulated. A total of 94 genes whose expression was altered by epilepsy and modified by LEV were identified. The RT-qPCR confirmed that LEV treatment reversed the increased expression of Hgf mRNA and decreased the expression of the Efcab1, Adam8, Slc24a1, and Serpinb1a genes in the DG. These results indicate that LEV could be involved in nonclassical mechanisms involved in Ca2+ homeostasis and the regulation of the mTOR pathway through Efcab1, Hgf, SLC24a1, Adam8, and Serpinb1a, contributing to reduced hyperexcitability in TLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Diaz-Villegas
- Departamento de Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Mexico City 07738, Mexico; (V.D.-V.); (L.A.P.-M.)
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Subdirección de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City 04530, Mexico;
| | - Luz Adriana Pichardo-Macías
- Departamento de Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Mexico City 07738, Mexico; (V.D.-V.); (L.A.P.-M.)
| | - Sergio Juárez-Méndez
- Laboratorio de Oncología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico;
| | - Iván Ignacio-Mejía
- Laboratorio de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela Militar de Graduados de Sanidad, Universidad del Ejército y Fuerza Aérea, Mexico City 11200, Mexico;
| | - Noemí Cárdenas-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Subdirección de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City 04530, Mexico;
| | - Marco Antonio Vargas-Hernández
- Subdirección de Investigación, Escuela Militar de Graduados de Sanidad, Universidad del Ejército y Fuerza Aérea, Mexico City 11200, Mexico;
| | | | - Sergio R. Zamudio
- Departamento de Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Mexico City 07738, Mexico; (V.D.-V.); (L.A.P.-M.)
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Marin MCD, Pedro MOP, Perrotte G, Martins-da-Silva AS, Lassi DLS, Blaas IK, Castaldelli FI, Brisola dos Santos MB, Kortas GT, Campos MW, Torales J, Ventriglio A, Périco CDAM, Negrão AB, Leopoldo K, de Andrade AG, Malbergier A, Castaldelli-Maia JM. Pharmacological Treatment of Alcohol Cravings. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1206. [PMID: 37626562 PMCID: PMC10452441 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13081206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The treatment of substance addiction is challenging and has persisted for decades, with only a few therapeutic options. Although there are some recommendations for specific treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), there is no specific medication used to treat alcohol cravings, which could benefit millions of patients that are suffering from alcoholism. Cravings, or the urge to use drugs, refer to the desire to experience the effects of a previously experienced psychoactive substance. (2) Methods: We included original studies of alcohol abuse or dependence extracted from a controlled, blind, pharmacological treatment study which presented measures and outcomes related to alcohol cravings. (3) Results: Specific drugs used for the treatment of alcoholism, such as Naltrexone and Acamprosate, have had the best results in relieving craving symptoms, as well as promoting abstinence. Baclofen and anticonvulsants such as Gabapentin and Topiramate have shown good results in promoting abstinence and the cessation of cravings. (4) Conclusions: Specific drugs used for the treatment of alcoholism to obtain the best results can be considered the gold standard for promoting abstinence and relieving cravings. Anticonvulsants and Baclofen also had good results, with these medications being considered as second-line ones. Varenicline is an option for alcohol dependents who also concomitantly ingest tobacco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Cheibub David Marin
- Perdizes Institute (IPer), Clinics Hospital of the Medical School (HCFMUSP), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05021-001, Brazil; (M.C.D.M.); (D.L.S.L.); (I.K.B.); (G.T.K.); (A.B.N.); (A.G.d.A.); (A.M.)
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil; (M.O.P.P.); (M.B.B.d.S.)
| | - Maria Olívia Pozzolo Pedro
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil; (M.O.P.P.); (M.B.B.d.S.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, Brazil; (A.S.M.-d.-S.); (K.L.)
| | - Giuliana Perrotte
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, FMABC University Center, Santo André 09060-870, Brazil; (G.P.); (C.d.A.-M.P.)
| | - Anderson S. Martins-da-Silva
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, Brazil; (A.S.M.-d.-S.); (K.L.)
| | - Dangela L. S. Lassi
- Perdizes Institute (IPer), Clinics Hospital of the Medical School (HCFMUSP), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05021-001, Brazil; (M.C.D.M.); (D.L.S.L.); (I.K.B.); (G.T.K.); (A.B.N.); (A.G.d.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Israel Kanaan Blaas
- Perdizes Institute (IPer), Clinics Hospital of the Medical School (HCFMUSP), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05021-001, Brazil; (M.C.D.M.); (D.L.S.L.); (I.K.B.); (G.T.K.); (A.B.N.); (A.G.d.A.); (A.M.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, FMABC University Center, Santo André 09060-870, Brazil; (G.P.); (C.d.A.-M.P.)
| | | | | | - Guilherme Trevizan Kortas
- Perdizes Institute (IPer), Clinics Hospital of the Medical School (HCFMUSP), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05021-001, Brazil; (M.C.D.M.); (D.L.S.L.); (I.K.B.); (G.T.K.); (A.B.N.); (A.G.d.A.); (A.M.)
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil; (M.O.P.P.); (M.B.B.d.S.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, Brazil; (A.S.M.-d.-S.); (K.L.)
| | - Marcela Waisman Campos
- Department of Cognitive Neurology, Neuropsychiatry, and Neuropsychology, Fleni, Buenos Aires C1428AQK, Argentina;
| | - Julio Torales
- Department of Medical Psychology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo 111454, Paraguay;
- Regional Institute of Health Research, Universidad Nacional de Caaguazú, Coronel Oviedo 050106, Paraguay
- School of Health Sciences, Universidad Sudamericana, Pedro Juan Caballero 130112, Paraguay
| | - Antonio Ventriglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Medical School, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy;
| | | | - André B. Negrão
- Perdizes Institute (IPer), Clinics Hospital of the Medical School (HCFMUSP), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05021-001, Brazil; (M.C.D.M.); (D.L.S.L.); (I.K.B.); (G.T.K.); (A.B.N.); (A.G.d.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Kae Leopoldo
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, Brazil; (A.S.M.-d.-S.); (K.L.)
| | - Arthur Guerra de Andrade
- Perdizes Institute (IPer), Clinics Hospital of the Medical School (HCFMUSP), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05021-001, Brazil; (M.C.D.M.); (D.L.S.L.); (I.K.B.); (G.T.K.); (A.B.N.); (A.G.d.A.); (A.M.)
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil; (M.O.P.P.); (M.B.B.d.S.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, Brazil; (A.S.M.-d.-S.); (K.L.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, FMABC University Center, Santo André 09060-870, Brazil; (G.P.); (C.d.A.-M.P.)
| | - André Malbergier
- Perdizes Institute (IPer), Clinics Hospital of the Medical School (HCFMUSP), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05021-001, Brazil; (M.C.D.M.); (D.L.S.L.); (I.K.B.); (G.T.K.); (A.B.N.); (A.G.d.A.); (A.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, Brazil; (A.S.M.-d.-S.); (K.L.)
| | - João Maurício Castaldelli-Maia
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo 01308-050, Brazil; (M.O.P.P.); (M.B.B.d.S.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, Brazil; (A.S.M.-d.-S.); (K.L.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, FMABC University Center, Santo André 09060-870, Brazil; (G.P.); (C.d.A.-M.P.)
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Chwedorowicz R, Łukawski K, Raszewski G, Czuczwar SJ. Caffeine impairs anticonvulsant effects of levetiracetam in the maximal electroshock seizure threshold test in mice. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2023; 34:357-364. [PMID: 36420661 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2022-0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive substance in the world. Animal studies indicate that acute caffeine exposure at high doses may induce seizures and diminish the anticonvulsant activity of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) at much lower doses. The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of caffeine on the anticonvulsant action of levetiracetam (LEV) and vigabatrin (VGB). METHODS The anticonvulsant activity of LEV and VGB was examined in the maximal electroshock seizure threshold test in mice (MEST test). All drugs were administered intraperitoneally by single injections, and caffeine was applied at doses capable of interfering with AEDs. Effects of caffeine exposure on AEDs were also investigated in tests of memory and motor performance. RESULTS Caffeine reduced the protective effect of LEV against electroconvulsions. Total brain concentration of LEV was unaffected by caffeine as well as inversely; LEV had no significant impact on the brain caffeine concentration, suggesting a pharmacodynamic nature of the interaction between LEV and caffeine in the MEST test. VGB at applied doses did not affect the convulsive threshold. Administration of VGB, but not LEV, alone or in combination with caffeine, impaired memory retention. In the chimney test, the combined treatment with AEDs and caffeine did not cause motor coordination impairment. CONCLUSIONS It is suggested that caffeine may negatively affect the anticonvulsant action of LEV in patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Chwedorowicz
- Department of Physiopathology, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Łukawski
- Department of Physiopathology, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Raszewski
- Department of Toxicology and Food Protection, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland
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Ruffolo G, Gaeta A, Cannata B, Pinzaglia C, Aronica E, Morano A, Cifelli P, Palma E. GABAergic Neurotransmission in Human Tissues Is Modulated by Cannabidiol. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12122042. [PMID: 36556407 PMCID: PMC9786817 DOI: 10.3390/life12122042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recently, the potential use of phytocannabinoids (pCBs) to treat different pathological conditions has attracted great attention in the scientific community. Among the different pCBs, cannabidiol (CBD) has showed interesting biological properties, making it a promising molecule with a high security profile that has been approved for treatment as an add-on therapy in patients afflicted by severe pharmaco-resistant epilepsy, including Dravet syndrome (DS), Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). CBD is pharmacologically considered a "dirty drug", since it has the capacity to bind different targets and to activate several cellular pathways. GABAergic impairment is one of the key processes during the epileptogenesis period able to induce a generalized hyperexcitability of the central nervous system (CNS), leading to epileptic seizures. Here, by using the microtransplantation of human brain membranes approach in Xenopus oocytes and electrophysiological recordings, we confirm the ability of CBD to modulate GABAergic neurotransmission in human cerebral tissues obtained from patients afflicted by different forms of pharmaco-resistant epilepsies, such as DS, TSC, focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type IIb and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Furthermore, using cDNAs encoding for human GABAA receptor subunits, we found that α1β2 receptors are still affected by CBD, while classical benzodiazepine lost its efficacy as expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Ruffolo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gaeta
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Cannata
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Pinzaglia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, 0397 Heemstede, The Netherlands
| | - Alessandra Morano
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Cifelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Eleonora Palma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00163 Rome, Italy
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Ruffolo G, Alfano V, Romagnolo A, Zimmer T, Mills JD, Cifelli P, Gaeta A, Morano A, Anink J, Mühlebner A, Vezzani A, Aronica E, Palma E. GABA A receptor function is enhanced by Interleukin-10 in human epileptogenic gangliogliomas and its effect is counteracted by Interleukin-1β. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17956. [PMID: 36289354 PMCID: PMC9605959 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22806-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gangliogliomas (GGs) are low-grade brain tumours that cause intractable focal epilepsy in children and adults. In GG, as in epileptogenic focal malformations (i.e., tuberous sclerosis complex, TSC), there is evidence of sustained neuroinflammation with involvement of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory mediators are less studied but bear relevance for understanding seizure mechanisms. Therefore, we investigated the effect of the key anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 on GABAergic neurotransmission in GG. We assessed the IL-10 dependent signaling by transcriptomic analysis, immunohistochemistry and performed voltage-clamp recordings on Xenopus oocytes microtransplanted with cell membranes from brain specimens, to overcome the limited availability of acute GG slices. We report that IL-10-related mRNAs were up-regulated in GG and slightly in TSC. Moreover, we found IL-10 receptors are expressed by neurons and astroglia. Furthermore, GABA currents were potentiated significantly by IL-10 in GG. This effect was time and dose-dependent and inhibited by blockade of IL-10 signaling. Notably, in the same tissue, IL-1β reduced GABA current amplitude and prevented the IL-10 effect. These results suggest that in epileptogenic tissue, pro-inflammatory mechanisms of hyperexcitability prevail over key anti-inflammatory pathways enhancing GABAergic inhibition. Hence, boosting the effects of specific anti-inflammatory molecules could resolve inflammation and reduce intractable seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Ruffolo
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy ,grid.18887.3e0000000417581884IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Alfano
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy ,grid.18887.3e0000000417581884IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Romagnolo
- grid.484519.5Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Till Zimmer
- grid.484519.5Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James D. Mills
- grid.484519.5Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK ,grid.452379.e0000 0004 0386 7187Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK
| | - Pierangelo Cifelli
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gaeta
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Morano
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Jasper Anink
- grid.484519.5Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Angelika Mühlebner
- grid.484519.5Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.7692.a0000000090126352Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annamaria Vezzani
- grid.4527.40000000106678902Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- grid.484519.5Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.419298.f0000 0004 0631 9143Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, Heemstede, The Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Palma
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy ,grid.18887.3e0000000417581884IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
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Ivorra I, Alberola-Die A, Cobo R, González-Ros JM, Morales A. Xenopus Oocytes as a Powerful Cellular Model to Study Foreign Fully-Processed Membrane Proteins. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:986. [PMID: 36295745 PMCID: PMC9610954 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12100986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The use of Xenopus oocytes in electrophysiological and biophysical research constitutes a long and successful story, providing major advances to the knowledge of the function and modulation of membrane proteins, mostly receptors, ion channels, and transporters. Earlier reports showed that these cells are capable of correctly expressing heterologous proteins after injecting the corresponding mRNA or cDNA. More recently, the Xenopus oocyte has become an outstanding host-cell model to carry out detailed studies on the function of fully-processed foreign membrane proteins after their microtransplantation to the oocyte. This review focused on the latter overall process of transplanting foreign membrane proteins to the oocyte after injecting plasma membranes or purified and reconstituted proteins. This experimental approach allows for the study of both the function of mature proteins, with their native stoichiometry and post-translational modifications, and their putative modulation by surrounding lipids, mostly when the protein is purified and reconstituted in lipid matrices of defined composition. Remarkably, this methodology enables functional microtransplantation to the oocyte of membrane receptors, ion channels, and transporters from different sources including human post-mortem tissue banks. Despite the large progress achieved over the last decades on the structure, function, and modulation of neuroreceptors and ion channels in healthy and pathological tissues, many unanswered questions remain and, most likely, Xenopus oocytes will continue to help provide valuable responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ivorra
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain
| | - Armando Alberola-Die
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain
| | - Raúl Cobo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain
| | - José Manuel González-Ros
- Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche (IDiBE), Universidad Miguel Hernández, E-03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Andrés Morales
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain
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Contreras-García IJ, Cárdenas-Rodríguez N, Romo-Mancillas A, Bandala C, Zamudio SR, Gómez-Manzo S, Hernández-Ochoa B, Mendoza-Torreblanca JG, Pichardo-Macías LA. Levetiracetam Mechanisms of Action: From Molecules to Systems. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15040475. [PMID: 35455472 PMCID: PMC9030752 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are used to control seizures. Even though parts of their mechanisms of action are known, there are still components that need to be studied. Therefore, the search for novel drugs, new molecular targets, and a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of existing drugs is still crucial. Levetiracetam (LEV) is an AED that has been shown to be effective in seizure control and is well-tolerable, with a novel mechanism of action through an interaction with the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A). Moreover, LEV has other molecular targets that involve calcium homeostasis, the GABAergic system, and AMPA receptors among others, that might be integrated into a single mechanism of action that could explain the antiepileptogenic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties of LEV. This puts it as a possible multitarget drug with clinical applications other than for epilepsy. According to the above, the objective of this work was to carry out a comprehensive and integrative review of LEV in relation to its clinical uses, structural properties, therapeutical targets, and different molecular, genetic, and systemic action mechanisms in order to consider LEV as a candidate for drug repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noemí Cárdenas-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Subdirección de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México 04530, Mexico;
| | - Antonio Romo-Mancillas
- Laboratorio de Diseño Asistido por Computadora y Síntesis de Fármacos, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario, Querétaro 76010, Mexico;
| | - Cindy Bandala
- Neurociencia Básica, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación LGII, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México 14389, Mexico;
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Sergio R. Zamudio
- Departamento de Fisiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico;
| | - Saúl Gómez-Manzo
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México 04530, Mexico;
| | - Beatriz Hernández-Ochoa
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México 06720, Mexico;
| | - Julieta Griselda Mendoza-Torreblanca
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Subdirección de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México 04530, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (J.G.M.-T.); (L.A.P.-M.); Tel.: +52-55-1084-0900 (ext. 1441) (J.G.M.-T.)
| | - Luz Adriana Pichardo-Macías
- Departamento de Fisiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (J.G.M.-T.); (L.A.P.-M.); Tel.: +52-55-1084-0900 (ext. 1441) (J.G.M.-T.)
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Lin BC, Johal J, Sivakumar K, Romano AE, Yacoub HA. Stiff-person syndrome: an atypical presentation and a review of the literature. Hosp Pract (1995) 2021; 49:384-390. [PMID: 34313523 DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2021.1961456] [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
Introduction: Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder associated with muscle rigidity and spasms. A number of antibodies have been associated with disorder, including anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase and anti-amphiphysin.Case report; In this report, we present a rare case of a 79-year-old woman who presented with bilateral lower extremity weakness who was ultimately diagnosed with stiff-limb syndrome, a rare variant of SPS. Extensive laboratory and CSF studies were unrevealing. Electromyography showed significant peroneal motor neuropathy and complex repetitive discharges in the left tibialis anterior muscle. Antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase were significantly elevated at 124 units/mL. She was subsequently started on oral diazepam with significant improvement in her symptoms.Conclusion: The presentation of SPS can vary based on epidemiologic factors, clinical symptoms, and associated disorders. These forms can have overlapping features which may make the categorization of patients into one of these forms challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaspreet Johal
- Department of Neurology, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA, USA
| | - Keithan Sivakumar
- Division of Neurology, Sunnybrook Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alissa E Romano
- Department of Neurology, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Hussam A Yacoub
- Department of Neurology, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
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10
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Ueda K, Black KJ. A Comprehensive Review of Tic Disorders in Children. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2479. [PMID: 34204991 PMCID: PMC8199885 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tics are characterized by sudden, rapid, recurrent, nonrhythmic movement or vocalization, and are the most common movement disorders in children. Their onset is usually in childhood and tics often will diminish within one year. However, some of the tics can persist and cause various problems such as social embarrassment, physical discomfort, or emotional impairments, which could interfere with daily activities and school performance. Furthermore, tic disorders are frequently associated with comorbid neuropsychiatric symptoms, which can become more problematic than tic symptoms. Unfortunately, misunderstanding and misconceptions of tic disorders still exist among the general population. Understanding tic disorders and their comorbidities is important to deliver appropriate care to patients with tics. Several studies have been conducted to elucidate the clinical course, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of tics, but they are still not well understood. This article aims to provide an overview about tics and tic disorders, and recent findings on tic disorders including history, definition, diagnosis, epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic approach, comorbidities, treatment and management, and differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Ueda
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Kevin J. Black
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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11
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Cifelli P, Di Angelantonio S, Alfano V, Morano A, De Felice E, Aronica E, Ruffolo G, Palma E. Dissecting the Molecular Determinants of GABA A Receptors Current Rundown, a Hallmark of Refractory Human Epilepsy. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11040441. [PMID: 33808090 PMCID: PMC8066365 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors-(Rs) are fundamental for the maintenance of an efficient inhibitory function in the central nervous system (CNS). Their dysfunction is associated with a wide range of CNS disorders, many of which characterized by seizures and epilepsy. Recently, an increased use-dependent desensitization due to a repetitive GABA stimulation (GABAA current rundown) of GABAARs has been associated with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Here, we aimed to investigate the molecular determinants of GABAA current rundown with two different heterologous expression systems (Xenopus oocytes and human embryonic kidney cells; HEK) which allowed us to manipulate receptor stoichiometry and to study the GABAA current rundown on different GABAAR configurations. To this purpose, we performed electrophysiology experiments using two-electrode voltage clamp in oocytes and confirming part of our results in HEK. We found that different degrees of GABAA current rundown can be associated with the expression of different GABAAR β-subunits reaching the maximum current decrease when functional α1β2 receptors are expressed. Furthermore, the blockade of phosphatases can prevent the current rundown observed in α1β2 GABAARs. Since GABAAR represents one important therapeutic target in the treatment of human epilepsy, our results could open new perspectives on the therapeutic management of drug-resistant patients showing a GABAergic impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierangelo Cifelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.D.A.); (V.A.); (E.D.F.); (E.P.)
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Alfano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.D.A.); (V.A.); (E.D.F.); (E.P.)
| | - Alessandra Morano
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Eleonora De Felice
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.D.A.); (V.A.); (E.D.F.); (E.P.)
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, 0397 Heemstede, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriele Ruffolo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.D.A.); (V.A.); (E.D.F.); (E.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eleonora Palma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.D.A.); (V.A.); (E.D.F.); (E.P.)
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12
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Fei F, Wang X, Wang Y, Chen Z. Dissecting the role of subiculum in epilepsy: Research update and translational potential. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 201:102029. [PMID: 33636224 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The subiculum serves as the strategic core output of the hippocampus, through which neural activity exits the hippocampal proper and targets the entorhinal cortex and other more distant subcortical and cortical areas. The past decade has witnessed a growing interest in the subiculum, owing to discoveries revealing its critical role in regulating many physiological and pathophysiological processes. Notably, accumulating evidence from both clinical and experimental studies suggests that the subiculum plays a vital role in seizure initiation and propagation, in epilepsy. In this review, we briefly describe the structure and connectivity of the subiculum and then summarize the molecular and cellular mechanisms in the subiculum underlying the epileptic brain, in both epilepsy patients and animal models. Next, we review some translational approaches targeting the malfunctioned subiculum to treat epilepsy. Finally, we pose open questions for future research in the subiculum and their clinical translation challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Fei
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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13
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Yang L, Afroz S, Valsamis HA, Michelson HB, Goodman JH, Ling DSF. Early intervention with levetiracetam prevents the development of cortical hyperexcitability and spontaneous epileptiform activity in two models of neurotrauma in rats. Exp Neurol 2020; 337:113571. [PMID: 33340499 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the antiepileptogenic potential of the antiseizure drug (ASD) levetiracetam (LEV) using the in vitro traumatized-slice and in vivo controlled cortical impact (CCI) models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats when administered early after the injury. For the in vitro model, acute coronal slices (400-450 μm) of rat neocortex (P21-32) were injured via a surgical cut that separated the superficial layers from the deeper regions. Persistent stimulus-evoked epileptiform activity developed within 1-2 h after trauma. In randomly selected slices, LEV (500 μM) was bath-applied for 1 h starting immediately or delayed by 30-80 min after injury. Treated and untreated slices were examined for epileptiform activity via intracellular and extracellular recordings. For the in vivo model, rats (P24-32) were subjected to a non-penetrating, focal, CCI injury targeting the neocortex (5.0 mm diameter; 2.0 mm depth). Immediately after injury, rats were given either a single dose of LEV (60-150 mg/kg, i.p.) or the saline vehicle. At 2-3 weeks after the injury, ex vivo cortical slices were examined for epileptiform activity. The results from the traumatized-slice experiments showed that in vitro treatment with LEV within 60 min of injury significantly reduced (> 50%) the proportion of slices that exhibited stimulus-evoked epileptiform activity. LEV treatment also increased the stimulus intensity required to trigger epileptiform bursts in injured slices by 2-4 fold. Consistent with these findings, LEV treatment of CCI-injured rats (n = 15) significantly reduced the proportion of animals that exhibited spontaneous and stimulus-evoked epileptiform bursts in ex vivo cortical slices compared to saline-treated controls (n = 15 rats), and also significantly increased the stimulus intensity required to evoke epileptiform bursts. These results suggest that early administration of LEV has the potential to prevent or reduce posttraumatic epileptogenesis and that there may be a narrow therapeutic window for successful prophylactic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lie Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 29, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Behavioral and Neural Science, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 29, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Sonia Afroz
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 29, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; Program in Neural and Behavioral Science, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Behavioral and Neural Science, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 29, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Helen A Valsamis
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 29, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; Department of Neurology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 1213, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Behavioral and Neural Science, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 29, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; Neurology Service, Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
| | - Hillary B Michelson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 29, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Behavioral and Neural Science, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 29, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
| | - Jeffrey H Goodman
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 29, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; Department of Neurology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 1213, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Behavioral and Neural Science, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 29, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; Department of Developmental Neurobiology, The New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA.
| | - Douglas S F Ling
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 29, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; Program in Neural and Behavioral Science, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Behavioral and Neural Science, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 29, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
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14
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Levetiracetam effect on behavioral and electrophysiological parameters in rat model of global brain ischemia. Epilepsy Res 2020; 167:106466. [PMID: 32971500 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Post-stroke paroxysmal activity is a neurophysiological indicator of epileptogenesis and increase of seizure susceptibility, so treatments with neuroprotective activity and anti-paroxysmal activity can be more beneficial during post-ischemic period. The goal of this study was evaluation of levetiracetam (100 mg/kg, 7 days of administration) effect on behavior and brain bioelectric activity changes in the post-ischemic period. Global ischemia model was carried out with bilateral ligation of carotid arteries in rats. Neurological deficit and electrophysiological changes of brain structures (striatum, cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus) were analyzed during 28 days. Paroxysmal activity was not observed on the 1st day after ischemia and had early (2nd day) and late (28th day) onsets. Spectral analysis showed that rats, that died by the 10th day, had delta wave increase and theta decrease on the 1st day and delta activity reduction on the 2-7th days. LEV did not affect survival rate, however, it contributed to neurological disorder regression towards lighter forms on the 1st day after ischemia. It suppressed paroxysmal activity with an early onset and affected delta and theta waves on the 1st day in all structures except hippocampus. On the 7th and 28th days LEV increased delta activity due to 1-3 Hz frequency. Thus, LEV eliminates early onset post-ischemic paroxysmal activity and contributes to normalization of delta waves activity on the 1st day after ischemia, that positively affects neurological status of animals in post-ischemic period. It allows one to make a conclusion about possible LEV application in the post-ischemic period.
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Bregestovski P, Heuser J, Martínez-Torres A. Ricardo Miledi - Outstanding Neuroscientist of XX-XXI Centuries. Neuroscience 2020; 439:1-9. [PMID: 32620217 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Bregestovski
- Institut de Neurosciences des Systemes, UMR INSERM 1106, Aix-Marseille Universite, Faculte de Medecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - John Heuser
- Section on Integrative Biophysics, National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Ataulfo Martínez-Torres
- Laboratory of Molecular & Cellular Neurobiology, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, Quurétaro, 76230, Mexico.
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Gáll Z, Kelemen K, Mihály I, Salamon P, Miklóssy I, Zsigmond B, Kolcsár M. Role of Lacosamide in Preventing Pentylenetetrazole Kindling-Induced Alterations in the Expression of the Gamma-2 Subunit of the GABAA Receptor in Rats. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2020; 13:251-260. [DOI: 10.2174/1874467213666200102095023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Epilepsy remains challenging to treat still no etiologic treatment has been identified,
however, some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are able to modify the pathogenesis of the disease.
Lacosamide (LCM) has been shown to possess complex anticonvulsant and neuroprotective actions,
being an enhancer of the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels, and it has the potential to
prevent epileptogenesis. Recent evidence has shown that LCM indirectly improves the function of
GABAA receptors. Receptors at most GABAergic synapses involve the gamma-2 subunit, which contributes
to both phasic and tonic inhibition, and its presence assures benzodiazepine sensitivity. Moreover,
mutant gamma-2 subunits were associated with generalized epilepsy syndromes. In animal models,
the expression of the gamma-2 subunit of the gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAAg2) was
shown to be increased in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced chemical kindling in Wistar rats.
Objective:
This study hypothesized that LCM might affect the kindling process by influencing the
expression of GABAA receptors in the hippocampus.
Methods:
The gene and protein expression levels of the GABAAg2 were studied using RT-qPCR and
immunofluorescent staining.
Results:
It was found that LCM treatment (10 mg/kg i.p. daily for 57 days) reduced the maximal
intensity of the PTZ-induced seizures but did not prevent kindling. On the other hand, LCM treatment
reverted the increase of mRNA expression of GABAAg2 in the hippocampus and prevented the
decrease of GABAAg2 protein in the hippocampal CA1 region.
Conclusion:
LCM could exhibit modulatory effects on the GABAergic system of the hippocampus that
may be independent of the anticonvulsant action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Gáll
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Krisztina Kelemen
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
| | - István Mihály
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Pál Salamon
- Department of Bioengeneering, Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, Miercurea Ciuc, Romania
| | - Ildikó Miklóssy
- Department of Bioengeneering, Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, Miercurea Ciuc, Romania
| | - Brigitta Zsigmond
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Melinda Kolcsár
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
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Sarangi SC, Pattnaik SS, Katyal J, Kaleekal T, Dinda AK. An interaction study of Ocimum sanctum L. and levetiracetam in pentylenetetrazole kindling model of epilepsy. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 249:112389. [PMID: 31739106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ocimum sanctum L. commonly known as tulsi (synonym of Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) is widely used in Ayurveda medicine and is having multitude neuromodulatory effect including the anticonvulsant effect in acute seizure models as per previous studies. In India, it is used for the treatment of epilepsy as traditional medicine. However, its role in chronic seizure model and interaction with newer antiepileptic drugs has not been investigated, which will enhance its translational value. AIM OF THE STUDY Current study investigated the effect of Ocimum on chronic seizure model and its interaction with levetiracetam (LEV), a newer antiepileptic drug. MATERIALS AND METHODS The adjuvant role of Ocimum sanctum hydroalcoholic extracts (OSHE) 1000 mg/kg along with LEV 300 mg/kg was studied in adult male Wistar rats with mean weight of 227.84 ± 21.68 g using pentylenetetrazole (30 mg/kg, i.p.) kindling (K) (with maximum 24 injections on alternate days and challenge on 7th-day). Along with seizure score, neurobehavioral, brain tissue oxidative stress and histopathology status were assessed. Pharmacokinetic interaction was assessed between LEV and OSHE after 14 days of drug treatment. RESULTS K-LEV + OSHE had least seizure score during kindling and on the pentylenetetrazole-challenge test (p=0.031) than other kindling groups. Seizure protection was more in K-LEV + OSHE (85.72%) than others (K-LEV-42.86%, K-OSHE-42.86%, and K-Control-28.58%). Ocimum treated groups had better memory retention potential as evident from Morris water maze (MWM), passive avoidance test but not in an elevated plus maze test. Oxidative-stress was lower in Ocimum treated groups than K-Control group. As per histopathology, K-LEV + OSHE group had the least neuronal degeneration among kindling groups. There was no significant pharmacokinetic interaction between LEV and OSHE, except increased Tmax in LEV + OSHE group than LEV alone (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS Ocimum per se and combination with levetiracetam treatment exerted better seizure control, memory retention, oxidative stress reduction, and neuronal structure preservation than kindling control group. There was a very minimal drug interaction between Ocimum and LEV. So, Ocimum as an adjuvant to LEV may be shelpful in enhancing the antiepileptic effect and also in minimizing the adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soumya S Pattnaik
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jatinder Katyal
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Thomas Kaleekal
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - A K Dinda
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Litvinova Svetlana A, Voroninа Tatyana A, Nerobkova Lubov N, Kutepova Inga S, Avakyan Georgii G, Avakyan Gagik N. Levetiracetam effect and electrophysiological mechanism of action in rats with cobalt-induced chronic epilepsy. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 854:380-386. [PMID: 31034820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Levetiracetam was initially developed as a nootropic drug, although since 2002 it has been used as anticonvulsant for the treatment of partial and generalized epilepsy syndromes. The purpose of the research was to investigate anti-paroxysmal activity of levetiracetam (LEV) on the model of cobalt-induced chronic epilepsy caused by the application of cobalt to the sensorimotor area of the rat cortex to evaluate LEV impact on the different stages of epileptogenesis. LEV effects were studied at the initial stage of the epileptogenesis (2nd day after the cobalt application) and at the stage of generalized paroxysmal activity (6th day after the cobalt application). The research showed that levetiracetam administration (dosages 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) at the early stage of the epileptogenesis had no statistically significant effect on the development of paroxysmal activity in both primary and secondary epileptic areas: in the ipsi- and contralateral cortex, hypothalamus and hippocampus. LEV administration on 6th day (dosage 50 mg/kg) did not have statistical effect on the epileptogenesis, while at a dosage of 200 mg/kg on 6th day LEV significantly suppressed paroxysmal activity in the studied structures of rats with cobalt epilepsy. The strongest anti-paroxysmal effect was detected in hippocampus and was expressed as the normalization of bioelectrical activity and the appearance of a regular theta rhythm. Thus, LEV effects are mostly directed to the hippocampal area of epileptiform activity and, to a lesser extent, to the cortical area.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Litvinova Svetlana
- FSBI Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology, Baltiiskaya str, 8, Moscow, 125315, Russia.
| | - A Voroninа Tatyana
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology, FSBI Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology, Russia.
| | - N Nerobkova Lubov
- FSBI Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology, Baltiiskaya str, 8, Moscow, 125315, Russia.
| | - S Kutepova Inga
- FSBI Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology, Baltiiskaya str, 8, Moscow, 125315, Russia.
| | - G Avakyan Georgii
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medical Genetics, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (RNRMU), Ostrovityanova str., 1, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
| | - N Avakyan Gagik
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medical Genetics, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (RNRMU), Ostrovityanova str., 1, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
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Excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation and oxidant stress as molecular bases of epileptogenesis and epilepsy-derived neurodegeneration: The role of vitamin E. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:1098-1112. [PMID: 30703511 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress are common underlying events in neurodegeneration. This pathogenic "triad" characterizes the neurobiology of epilepsy, leading to seizure-induced cell death, increased susceptibility to neuronal synchronization and network alterations. Along with other maladaptive changes, these events pave the way to spontaneous recurrent seizures and progressive degeneration of the interested brain areas. In vivo models of epilepsy are available to explore such epileptogenic mechanisms, also assessing the efficacy of chemoprevention and therapy strategies at the pre-clinical level. The kainic acid model of pharmacological excitotoxicity and epileptogenesis is one of the most investigated mimicking the chronicization profile of temporal lobe epilepsy in humans. Its pathogenic cues include inflammatory and neuronal death pathway activation, mitochondrial disturbances and lipid peroxidation of several regions of the brain, the most vulnerable being the hippocampus. The importance of neuroinflammation and lipid peroxidation as underlying molecular events of brain damage was demonstrated in this model by the possibility to counteract the related maladaptive morphological and functional changes of this organ with vitamin E, the main fat-soluble cellular antioxidant and "conditional" co-factor of enzymatic pathways involved in polyunsaturated lipid metabolism and inflammatory signaling. The present review paper provides an overview of the literature supporting the potential for a timely intervention with vitamin E therapy in clinical management of seizures and epileptogenic processes associated with excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation and lipid peroxidation, i.e. the pathogenic "triad".
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Morano A, Iannone L, Palleria C, Fanella M, Giallonardo AT, De Sarro G, Russo E, Di Bonaventura C. Pharmacology of new and developing intravenous therapies for the management of seizures and epilepsy. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2018; 20:25-39. [PMID: 30403892 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1541349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are administered orally for chronic use. Parenteral formulations might be necessary when the oral route is not feasible (e.g. an impairment of consciousness, trauma, dysphagia, gastrointestinal illness) or for treatment of seizure emergencies. At present, few intravenous (IV) formulations are available on the market. AREAS COVERED The purpose of this review is to summarize the pharmacological characteristics and clinical applications of IV medications that have been recently introduced to the armamentarium of epilepsy therapy or are currently being developed. Apart from AEDs, other compounds belonging to different pharmacological classes (e.g. diuretics, anesthetics), which have shown potential effectiveness in seizure control, are taken into consideration, and the pathophysiological premises supporting their use for epilepsy treatment are illustrated. The authors give particular focus to immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive agents, which have become the therapeutic cornerstones for immune-mediated epilepsies, despite regulatory obstacles. EXPERT OPINION In several circumstances, especially in the case of seizure-related emergencies, clinical practice seems not match literature-based evidence, and several IV AEDs are still used off-label. Strong evidence derived from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is needed to support the effectiveness and tolerability of any therapeutic approach, however common and "accepted' it may be, in order to guarantee patient safety and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Morano
- a Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health , "Sapienza" University , Rome , Italy
| | - Luigi Iannone
- b Science of Health Department, School of Medicine , University of Catanzaro , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Caterina Palleria
- b Science of Health Department, School of Medicine , University of Catanzaro , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Martina Fanella
- a Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health , "Sapienza" University , Rome , Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Giallonardo
- a Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health , "Sapienza" University , Rome , Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- b Science of Health Department, School of Medicine , University of Catanzaro , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- b Science of Health Department, School of Medicine , University of Catanzaro , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Carlo Di Bonaventura
- a Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health , "Sapienza" University , Rome , Italy
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21
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Zwart R, Mazzo F, Sher E. Microtransplantation of human brain receptors into oocytes to tackle key questions in drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2018; 24:533-543. [PMID: 30395928 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
It is important in drug discovery to demonstrate that activity of novel drugs found by screening on recombinant receptors translates to activity on native human receptors in brain areas affected by disease. In this review, we summarise the development and use of the microtransplantation technique. Native receptors are reconstituted from human brain tissues into oocytes from the frog Xenopus laevis where they can be functionally assessed. Oocytes microtransplanted with hippocampal tissue from an epileptic patient were used to demonstrate that new antiepileptic agents act on receptors in diseased tissue. Furthermore, frozen post-mortem human tissues were used to show that drugs are active on receptors in brain areas associated with a disease; but not in areas associated with side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruud Zwart
- Eli Lilly, Lilly Research Centre, Erl Wood Manor, Sunninghill Road, Windlesham, GU20 6PH, UK.
| | - Francesca Mazzo
- Eli Lilly, Lilly Research Centre, Erl Wood Manor, Sunninghill Road, Windlesham, GU20 6PH, UK
| | - Emanuele Sher
- Eli Lilly, Lilly Research Centre, Erl Wood Manor, Sunninghill Road, Windlesham, GU20 6PH, UK
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Ambrogini P, Albertini MC, Betti M, Galati C, Lattanzi D, Savelli D, Di Palma M, Saccomanno S, Bartolini D, Torquato P, Ruffolo G, Olivieri F, Galli F, Palma E, Minelli A, Cuppini R. Neurobiological Correlates of Alpha-Tocopherol Antiepileptogenic Effects and MicroRNA Expression Modulation in a Rat Model of Kainate-Induced Seizures. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:7822-7838. [PMID: 29468563 PMCID: PMC6132771 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-0946-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Seizure-triggered maladaptive neural plasticity and neuroinflammation occur during the latent period as a key underlying event in epilepsy chronicization. Previously, we showed that α-tocopherol (α-T) reduces hippocampal neuroglial activation and neurodegeneration in the rat model of kainic acid (KA)-induced status epilepticus (SE). These findings allowed us to postulate an antiepileptogenic potential for α-T in hippocampal excitotoxicity, in line with clinical evidence showing that α-T improves seizure control in drug-resistant patients. To explore neurobiological correlates of the α-T antiepileptogenic role, rats were injected with such vitamin during the latent period starting right after KA-induced SE, and the effects on circuitry excitability, neuroinflammation, neuronal death, and microRNA (miRNA) expression were investigated in the hippocampus. Results show that in α-T-treated epileptic rats, (1) the number of population spikes elicited by pyramidal neurons, as well as the latency to the onset of epileptiform-like network activity recover to control levels; (2) neuronal death is almost prevented; (3) down-regulation of claudin, a blood-brain barrier protein, is fully reversed; (4) neuroinflammation processes are quenched (as indicated by the decrease of TNF-α, IL-1β, GFAP, IBA-1, and increase of IL-6); (5) miR-146a, miR-124, and miR-126 expression is coherently modulated in hippocampus and serum by α-T. These findings support the potential of a timely intervention with α-T in clinical management of SE to reduce epileptogenesis, thus preventing chronic epilepsy development. In addition, we suggest that the analysis of miRNA levels in serum could provide clinicians with a tool to evaluate disease evolution and the efficacy of α-T therapy in SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Ambrogini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, I-61029, Urbino, Italy.
| | - Maria Cristina Albertini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, I-61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Betti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, I-61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Claudia Galati
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, I-61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Davide Lattanzi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, I-61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - David Savelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, I-61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Michael Di Palma
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, I-61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Stefania Saccomanno
- Department of Gastroenterology, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Desirée Bartolini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Torquato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ruffolo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy.,Center of Clinical Pathology and Innovative Therapy, INRCA-IRCCS, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Galli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Palma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Minelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, I-61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cuppini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, I-61029, Urbino, Italy
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23
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Effects of anti-epileptic drugs on spreading depolarization-induced epileptiform activity in mouse hippocampal slices. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11884. [PMID: 28928441 PMCID: PMC5605655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12346-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy and spreading depolarization (SD) are both episodic brain disorders and often exist together in the same individual. In CA1 pyramidal neurons of mouse hippocampal slices, induction of SD evoked epileptiform activities, including the ictal-like bursts, which occurred during the repolarizing phase of SD, and the subsequent generation of paroxysmal depolarization shifts (PDSs), which are characterized by mild depolarization plateau with overriding spikes. The duration of the ictal-like activity was correlated with both the recovery time and the depolarization potential of SD, whereas the parameters of PDSs were not significantly correlated with the parameters of SD. Moreover, we systematically evaluated the effects of multiple anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) on SD-induced epileptiform activity. Among the drugs that are known to inhibit voltage-gated sodium channels, carbamazepine, phenytoin, valproate, lamotrigine, and zonisamide reduced the frequency of PDSs and the overriding firing bursts in 20–25 min after the induction of SD. The GABA uptake inhibitor tiagabine exhibited moderate effects and partially limited the incidence of PDSs after SD. AEDs including gabapentin, levetiracetam, ethosuximide, felbamate, and vigabatrin, had no significant effect on SD-induced epileptic activity. Taken together, these results demonstrate the effects of AEDs on SD and the related epileptiform activity at the cellular level.
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van Tuijl DC, Groenwold RHH, Vlaskamp C, van Campen JS, Braun KPJ, Jansen FE, Bruining H. Behavioral disinhibition and antiepileptic treatment in childhood epilepsy: A retrospective cohort study. Epilepsia Open 2017; 2:59-66. [PMID: 29750213 PMCID: PMC5939390 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test whether specific classes of antiepileptic drugs increase the risk for behavioral disinhibition, a frequent complication of treatment of childhood epilepsy. METHODS In a sample of children with active epilepsy and antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment (n = 146, age 4-17 years), we performed a retrospective chart analysis of the occurrence of symptoms indicating reduced behavioral disinhibition following AED treatment. We used a risk-set approach to analyze whether the presence or recent addition of AED categories defined by their mechanism of action were associated with enhanced risk for behavioral disinhibition symptoms. RESULTS Mean duration of follow-up was 2,343 days (range 218-6,292, standard deviation [SD] 1,437). Episodes of behavioral disinhibition were reported in 51 (34.9%) children, with variable latencies between latest change and occurrence of behavioral disinhibition symptoms (mean 67 days, range 2-367). Current use of AEDs targeting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (odds ratio [OR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-3.29, p = 0.04) and SV2A-mediated neurotransmitter release (SV2A)-mediated (2.0, 1.13-3.60, p = 0.02) neurotransmitter release was associated with increased risk for behavioral disinhibition. Restricting the analysis to the 90 days before behavioral disinhibition episode occurrence revealed that only addition of GABAergic AEDs (OR = 26.88, 95% CI = 6.71-107.76, p < 0.001) was associated with behavioral disinhibition. In contrast to our expectations, seizure control was reported to have improved parallel to most behavioral disinhibition episodes. SIGNIFICANCE This exploration of behavioral disinhibition in relation to antiepileptic drug treatment indicates that GABA potentiating drugs are specifically associated with behavioral problems during treatment of childhood epilepsy. Behavioral disinhibition episodes often occurred while seizure control improved, which may have reduced alertness for the consequences of AEDs on interictal symptoms. Our findings may be related to the increasing evidence for a role for excitatory actions of GABA in childhood epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C. van Tuijl
- Department of PsychiatryBrain Centre Rudolf MagnusUniversity Medical CentreUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | | | - Chantal Vlaskamp
- Department of PsychiatryBrain Centre Rudolf MagnusUniversity Medical CentreUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Jolien S. van Campen
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyBrain Centre Rudolf MagnusUniversity Medical CentreUtrechtthe Netherlands
- Department of PsychiatryRadboudumcNijmegenthe Netherlands
| | - Kees P. J. Braun
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyBrain Centre Rudolf MagnusUniversity Medical CentreUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Floor E. Jansen
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyBrain Centre Rudolf MagnusUniversity Medical CentreUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Hilgo Bruining
- Department of PsychiatryBrain Centre Rudolf MagnusUniversity Medical CentreUtrechtthe Netherlands
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Gambardella A, Labate A, Cifelli P, Ruffolo G, Mumoli L, Aronica E, Palma E. Pharmacological modulation in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: Current status and future perspectives. Pharmacol Res 2016; 113:421-425. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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26
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Morano A, Cifelli P, Nencini P, Antonilli L, Fattouch J, Ruffolo G, Roseti C, Aronica E, Limatola C, Di Bonaventura C, Palma E, Giallonardo AT. Cannabis in epilepsy: From clinical practice to basic research focusing on the possible role of cannabidivarin. Epilepsia Open 2016; 1:145-151. [PMID: 29588939 PMCID: PMC5719834 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidivarin (CBDV) and cannabidiol (CBD) have recently emerged among cannabinoids for their potential antiepileptic properties, as shown in several animal models. We report the case of a patient affected by symptomatic partial epilepsy who used cannabis as self‐medication after the failure of countless pharmacological/surgical treatments. Clinical and video electroencephalogram (EEG) evaluations were periodically performed, and the serum levels of CBDV, CBD, and Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol were repeatedly measured. After cannabis administration, a dramatic clinical improvement, in terms of both decrease in seizure frequency and recovery of cognitive functions, was observed, which might parallel high CBDV plasma concentrations. To widen the spectrum of CBDV possible mechanisms of action, electrophysiological methods were applied to investigate whether it could exert some effects on γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors. Our experiments showed that, in human hippocampal tissues of four patients affected by drug‐resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) transplanted in Xenopus oocytes, there is decrease of current rundown (i.e., reduction of use‐dependent GABAA current) after prolonged exposure to CBDV. This result has been confirmed using a single case of Rasmussen encephalitis (RE). Our patient's electroclinical improvement supports the hypothesis that cannabis could actually represent an effective, well‐tolerated antiepileptic drug. Moreover, the experimental data suggest that CBDV may greatly contribute to cannabis anticonvulsant effect through its possible GABAergic action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Morano
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation University of Rome Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Pierangelo Cifelli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation University of Rome Sapienza Rome Italy.,Ri.MED Foundation Palermo Italy
| | - Paolo Nencini
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation University of Rome Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Letizia Antonilli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation University of Rome Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Jinane Fattouch
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation University of Rome Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Gabriele Ruffolo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation University of Rome Sapienza Rome Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology Academic Medical Center University of Amsterdam Amsterdam the Netherlands.,Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN-Heemstede) Amsterdam the Netherlands
| | - Cristina Limatola
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation University of Rome Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Carlo Di Bonaventura
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation University of Rome Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Eleonora Palma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation University of Rome Sapienza Rome Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana Rome Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Giallonardo
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation University of Rome Sapienza Rome Italy
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27
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Stemmler N, Rohleder K, Malter MP, Widman G, Elger CE, Beck H, Surges R. Serum from a Patient with GAD65 Antibody-Associated Limbic Encephalitis Did Not Alter GABAergic Neurotransmission in Cultured Hippocampal Networks. Front Neurol 2015; 6:189. [PMID: 26379623 PMCID: PMC4551833 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2015.00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glutamate decarboxylase is an intracellular enzyme converting glutamate into GABA. Antibodies (abs) to its isoform GAD65 were described in limbic encephalitis and other neurological conditions. The significance of GAD65 abs for epilepsy is unclear, but alterations of inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission may be involved. Here, we investigated the effects of the serum of a female patient suffering from GAD65 ab-associated LE on GABAA currents in cultured hippocampal networks. Methods Spontaneous or evoked post-synaptic GABAA currents were measured in cultured hippocampal neurons prepared from embryonic mice after 11–21 days in vitro using the patch-clamp technique in the whole-cell mode after incubation with serum of a healthy control or the LE-patient at a final concentration of 1% for 5–8 h. Results Properties of miniature inhibitory post-synaptic currents were not different in cultures treated with control and LE-serum. Likewise, paired-pulse ratio of evoked GABAA currents as a measure of release probability was not different in both conditions. Evoked GABAA currents were significantly depressed during 10 Hz stimulation without significant differences between control and LE-serum treated cultures. Conclusion In our experimental paradigms, serum of a patient with confirmed GAD65 ab-associated LE had no apparent effect on GABAergic neurotransmission in murine-cultured hippocampal networks. These results challenge the view that the presence of GAD65 abs invariably compromise inhibitory network function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Stemmler
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Karin Rohleder
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Michael P Malter
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Guido Widman
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Christian E Elger
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Heinz Beck
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Rainer Surges
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn , Bonn , Germany ; Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), University Hospital Bonn , Bonn , Germany
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28
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Lukawski K, Raszewski G, Czuczwar SJ. Interactions between levetiracetam and cardiovascular drugs against electroconvulsions in mice. Pharmacol Rep 2014; 66:1100-5. [PMID: 25443741 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension and heart failure belong to common comorbid conditions with epilepsy so drug interactions between antiepileptics and cardiovascular drugs are possible in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonists (losartan potassium and candesartan cilexetil), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (captopril and perindopril arginine) and diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide and ethacrynic acid) on the anticonvulsant activity of levetiracetam (LEV) in mice. METHODS The protective action of LEV was examined in the maximal electroshock seizure threshold test. Drugs were administered intraperitoneally (ip). Additionally, combinations of cardiovascular drugs with LEV were tested for adverse effects in the passive avoidance task and the chimney test. RESULTS Losartan potassium (50mg/kg), candesartan cilexetil (8mg/kg), captopril (50mg/kg), hydrochlorothiazide (100mg/kg) and ethacrynic acid (100mg/kg) did not affect the anticonvulsant activity of LEV. Perindopril arginine (10mg/kg) raised the convulsive threshold for LEV administered at doses of 100, 300 and 500mg/kg. This interaction could be pharmacodynamic in nature because the brain concentration of LEV remained unchanged by perindopril. The adverse effects of the combined treatment with LEV and cardiovascular drugs were not observed in the passive avoidance task or the chimney test. CONCLUSIONS Although experimental data can be hardly extrapolated to clinical practice, it is suggested that perindopril arginine may positively influence the anticonvulsant action of LEV in epileptic patients. The use of losartan potassium, candesartan cilexetil, captopril, hydrochlorothiazide or ethacrynic acid in patients treated with LEV seems neutral regarding its anticonvulsant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Lukawski
- Department of Physiopathology, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Grzegorz Raszewski
- Department of Physiopathology, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland
| | - Stanisław J Czuczwar
- Department of Physiopathology, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland; Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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29
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Wakita M, Kotani N, Kogure K, Akaike N. Inhibition of excitatory synaptic transmission in hippocampal neurons by levetiracetam involves Zn²⁺-dependent GABA type A receptor-mediated presynaptic modulation. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013; 348:246-59. [PMID: 24259680 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.208751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Levetiracetam (LEV) is an antiepileptic drug with a unique but as yet not fully resolved mechanism of action. Therefore, by use of a simplified rat-isolated nerve-bouton preparation, we have investigated how LEV modulates glutamatergic transmission from mossy fiber terminals to hippocampal CA3 neurons. Action potential-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) were recorded using a conventional whole-cell patch-clamp recording configuration in voltage-clamp mode. The antiepileptic drug phenytoin decreased glutamatergic eEPSCs in a concentration-dependent fashion by inhibiting voltage-dependent Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ channel currents. In contrast, LEV had no effect on eEPSCs or voltage-dependent Na⁺ or Ca²⁺ channel currents. Activation of presynaptic GABA type A (GABA(A)) receptors by muscimol induced presynaptic inhibition of eEPSCs, resulting from depolarization block. Low concentrations of Zn²⁺, which had no effect on eEPSCs, voltage-dependent Na⁺ or Ca²⁺ channel currents, or glutamate receptor-mediated whole cell currents, reduced the muscimol-induced presynaptic inhibition. LEV applied in the continuous presence of 1 µM muscimol and 1 µM Zn²⁺ reversed this Zn²⁺ modulation on eEPSCs. The antagonizing effect of LEV on Zn²⁺-induced presynaptic GABA(A) receptor inhibition was also observed with the Zn²⁺ chelators Ca-EDTA and RhodZin-3. Our results clearly show that LEV removes the Zn²⁺-induced suppression of GABA(A)-mediated presynaptic inhibition, resulting in a presynaptic decrease in glutamate-mediated excitatory transmission. Our results provide a novel mechanism by which LEV may inhibit neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahito Wakita
- Research Division for Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Corporation, Jyuryokai, Kumamoto Kinoh Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan (M.W., N.A.); Research Division for Life Science, Kumamoto Health Science University, Kumamoto, Japan (M.W., N.A.); Research Division of Neurophysiology, Kitamoto Hospital, Koshigaya, Japan (N.K., N.A); and Kogure Medical Clinic, Chouseikai Medical Corporation, Fukaya City, Saitama, Japan (K.K.)
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Cifelli P, Palma E, Roseti C, Verlengia G, Simonato M. Changes in the sensitivity of GABAA current rundown to drug treatments in a model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:108. [PMID: 23874269 PMCID: PMC3708152 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological treatment of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE), the most common epileptic syndrome in adults, is still unsatisfactory, as one-third of the patients are or become refractory to antiepileptic agents. Refractoriness may depend upon drug-induced alterations, but the disease per se may also undergo a progressive evolution that affects the sensitivity to drugs. mTLE has been shown to be associated with a dysfunction of the inhibitory signaling mediated by GABAA receptors. In particular, the repetitive activation of GABAA receptors produces a use-dependent decrease (rundown) of the evoked currents (IGABA), which is markedly enhanced in the hippocampus and cortex of drug-resistant mTLE patients. This phenomenon has been also observed in the pilocarpine model, where the increased IGABA rundown is observed in the hippocampus at the time of the first spontaneous seizure, then extends to the cortex and remains constant in the chronic phase of the disease. Here, we examined the sensitivity of IGABA to pharmacological modulation. We focused on the antiepileptic agent levetiracetam (LEV) and on the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which were previously reported to attenuate mTLE-induced increased rundown in the chronic human tissue. In the pilocarpine model, BDNF displayed a paramount effect, decreasing rundown in the hippocampus at the time of the first seizure, as well as in the hippocampus and cortex in the chronic period. In contrast, LEV did not affect rundown in the hippocampus, but attenuated it in the cortex. Interestingly, this effect of LEV was also observed on the still unaltered rundown observed in the cortex at the time of the first spontaneous seizure. These data suggest that the sensitivity of GABAA receptors to pharmacological interventions undergoes changes during the natural history of mTLE, implicating that the site of seizure initiation and the timing of treatment may highly affect the therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierangelo Cifelli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara Ferrara, Italy ; National Institute of Neuroscience Ferrara, Italy ; Ri.MED Foundation Palermo, Italy
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Lin CCK, Ju MS, Chen CW, Hwang JC, Tsai JJ. Effects of levetiracetam on μ rhythm in persons with epilepsy. J Clin Neurosci 2013; 20:686-91. [PMID: 23517673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2012.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2011] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mu rhythm can be suppressed by movements, the so called event-related desynchronization (ERD). Levetiracetam (LEV) is a newer type of antiepileptic drug. A previous study reported that LEV might enhance mu rhythm and caused mu status in one subject. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of LEV on EEG frequency contents and ERD. Seventeen patients with epileptic foci outside the Rolandic area were recruited. The following studies were performed before and after chronically taking LEV. An electroencephalogram (EEG) with 10 minutes of resting state and 5 minutes covering 10 right thumb movements were recorded. Reaction time was evaluated with a simple visual reaction time test. EEG data were analyzed by S-transformation and relative band powers were calculated. The results showed that the relative powers of theta, alpha and beta band in frontal (F3 and F4) and occipital (O1 and O2) leads and mu band in the centro-parietal (C3, C4, P3 and P4) leads were not changed by chronically taking LEV. No mu status was observed in any subject. However, the mean group ERD was enhanced at C3, Cz and P4 leads. Reaction time was similar before and after taking LEV. In conclusion, chronically taking LEV did not change the frequency contents of EEG and did not cause drowsiness, but enhanced ERD. The results suggest that chronically taking medication, such as LEV, is a plausible method to broaden the applicability of ERD-based brain-computer interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chou-Ching K Lin
- Department of Neurology, Medical College and Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Strat Y. Levetiracetam in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: Toward the End of the Story? Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2012; 36:1309-10. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2012.01891.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Ozcan M, Ayar A. Modulation of action potential and calcium signaling by levetiracetam in rat sensory neurons. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2012; 32:156-62. [DOI: 10.3109/10799893.2012.672993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Jehi LE, Irwin AI, Kayyali H, Vadera S, Bingaman W, Najm I. Levetiracetam may favorably affect seizure outcome after temporal lobectomy. Epilepsia 2012; 53:979-86. [PMID: 22462729 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2012.03453.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the prognostic implications of antiepileptic drug (AED) use on seizure freedom following temporal lobe resections for intractable epilepsy. METHODS Seizure outcome implications of epilepsy characteristics and AED use were studied in patients who underwent temporal lobectomy patients at the Cleveland Clinic between September 1995 and December 2006. Survival analysis and multivariate regression with Cox proportional hazard modeling were used. Complete seizure freedom was defined as a favorable outcome. KEY FINDINGS Records of 312 patients were analyzed (mean ± standard deviation follow-up 3.5 ± 1.7 years). The estimated probability of complete seizure freedom was 69% at 12 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 66-72%), and 48% at 36 months (95% CI 45-52%). The mean number of AEDs used per patient at the time of surgery was 1.78 (range 1-4), dropping to 1.02 at last follow-up (range 0-4). Following multivariate analysis, a lower preoperative seizure frequency and perioperative use of levetiracetam predicted a favorable outcome (risk ratio [RR] 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.89, and RR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.39-0.83, respectively), whereas nonspecific pathology (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.15-2.47) and a higher number of AEDs used at the time of surgery correlated with higher rates of seizure recurrence (whole-model log-rank test p-value < 0.0001). Better outcomes within the levetiracetam group were seen despite a higher proportion of several poor prognostic indicators within this patient group, and started as early as 4 months after surgery, gradually increasing to a 15-20% survival advantage by 5 years. No similar outcome correlations were identified with another AED. SIGNIFICANCE AED use may be a potential new modifiable seizure-outcome predictor after temporal lobectomy. This possible prognostic indicator is discussed in light of proposed seizure recurrence mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara E Jehi
- Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
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Abstract
Levetiracetam (Keppra®, E Keppra®) is an established second-generation antiepileptic drug (AED). Worldwide, levetiracetam is most commonly approved as adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalization; other approved indications include monotherapy treatment of partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalization, and adjunctive treatment of myoclonic seizures associated with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and primary generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures associated with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Levetiracetam has a novel structure and unique mechanisms of action. Unlike other AEDs, the mechanisms of action of levetiracetam appear to involve neuronal binding to synaptic vesicle protein 2A, inhibiting calcium release from intraneuronal stores, opposing the activity of negative modulators of GABA- and glycin-gated currents and inhibiting excessive synchronized activity between neurons. In addition, levetiracetam inhibits N-type calcium channels. Levetiracetam is associated with rapid and complete absorption, high oral bioavailability, minimal metabolism that consists of hydrolysis of the acetamide group, and primarily renal elimination. It lacks cytochrome P450 isoenzyme-inducing potential and is not associated with clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions with other drugs, including other AEDs. The efficacy of oral immediate-release levetiracetam in controlling seizures has been established in numerous randomized, double-blind, controlled, multicentre trials in patients with epilepsy. Adjunctive levetiracetam reduced the frequency of seizures in paediatric and adult patients with refractory partial onset seizures to a significantly greater extent than placebo. Monotherapy with levetiracetam was noninferior to that with carbamazepine controlled release in controlling seizures in patients with newly diagnosed partial onset seizures. Levetiracetam also provided seizure control relative to placebo as adjunctive therapy in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy with myoclonic seizures or GTC seizures. In addition, patients receiving oral levetiracetam showed improvements in measures of health-related quality of life relative to those receiving placebo. Although treatment-emergent adverse events were commonly reported in the clinical trials of levetiracetam, the overall proportion of patients who experienced at least one treatment-emergent adverse event was broadly similar in the levetiracetam and placebo treatment groups, with most events being mild to moderate in severity. Levetiracetam is not associated with cognitive impairment or drug-induced weight gain, but has been associated with behavioural adverse effects in some patients.
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Surges R, Volynski KE, Walker MC. Is levetiracetam different from other antiepileptic drugs? Levetiracetam and its cellular mechanism of action in epilepsy revisited. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2011; 1:13-24. [PMID: 21180561 DOI: 10.1177/1756285608094212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Levetiracetam (LEV) is a new antiepileptic drug that is clinically effective in generalized and partial epilepsy syndromes as sole or add-on medication. Nevertheless, its underlying mechanism of action is poorly understood. It has a unique preclinical profile; unlike other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), it modulates seizure-activity in animal models of chronic epilepsy with no effect in most animal models of acute seizures. Yet it is effective in acute in-vitro 'seizure' models. A possible explanation for these dichotomous findings is that LEV has different mechanisms of actions, whether given acutely or chronically and in 'epileptic' and control tissue. Here we review the general mechanism of action of AEDs, give an updated and critical overview about the experimental findings of LEV's cellular targets (in particular the synaptic vesicular protein SV2A) and ask whether LEV represents a new class of AED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Surges
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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Characterization of GABA(A) receptors expressed in glial cell membranes of adult mouse neocortex using a Xenopus oocyte microtransplantation expression system. J Neurosci Methods 2011; 198:77-83. [PMID: 21439322 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2011.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2010] [Revised: 03/09/2011] [Accepted: 03/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cell membranes isolated from nervous tissue can be easily injected into Xenopus oocytes, thereby effectively "microtransplanting" functional neurotransmitter receptors. This technique therefore allows a direct functional characterization of the original membrane receptor/ion channel proteins and the associated molecules while still embedded in their natural lipid environment. Cell membranes will contain components from different types of cells, i.e. neurons and glial cells, expressing their own receptors, with possibly different properties. To study the receptor properties of a single cell type, we injected oocytes with membranes isolated only from glia (gliosomes) of adult mouse neocortex and we focused our work on GABA(A) receptors incorporated in the oocyte cell membrane. We found that GABA(A)-activated currents allowed a good biophysical and pharmacological characterization of glial GABA(A) receptors. Therefore, the microtransplantation of gliosomes into oocytes can represent a good model to study the electrical and pharmacological properties of adult glial cells under different physiological and pathological conditions. Moreover, since gliosomes can be isolated from frozen tissues, this approach can be extended to post-mortem human tissues.
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Löscher W, Brandt C. Prevention or modification of epileptogenesis after brain insults: experimental approaches and translational research. Pharmacol Rev 2011; 62:668-700. [PMID: 21079040 DOI: 10.1124/pr.110.003046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse brain insults, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, infections, tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and prolonged acute symptomatic seizures, such as complex febrile seizures or status epilepticus (SE), can induce "epileptogenesis," a process by which normal brain tissue is transformed into tissue capable of generating spontaneous recurrent seizures. Furthermore, epileptogenesis operates in cryptogenic causes of epilepsy. In view of the accumulating information about cellular and molecular mechanisms of epileptogenesis, it should be possible to intervene in this process before the onset of seizures and thereby either prevent the development of epilepsy in patients at risk or increase the potential for better long-term outcome, which constitutes a major clinical need. For identifying pharmacological interventions that prevent, interrupt or reverse the epileptogenic process in people at risk, two groups of animal models, kindling and SE-induced recurrent seizures, have been recommended as potentially useful tools. Furthermore, genetic rodent models of epileptogenesis are increasingly used in assessing antiepileptogenic treatments. Two approaches have been used in these different model categories: screening of clinically established antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for antiepileptogenic or disease-modifying potential, and targeting the key causal mechanisms that underlie epileptogenesis. The first approach indicated that among various AEDs, topiramate, levetiracetam, carisbamate, and valproate may be the most promising. On the basis of these experimental findings, two ongoing clinical trials will address the antiepileptogenic potential of topiramate and levetiracetam in patients with traumatic brain injury, hopefully translating laboratory discoveries into successful therapies. The second approach has highlighted neurodegeneration, inflammation and up-regulation of immune responses, and neuronal hyperexcitability as potential targets for antiepileptogenesis or disease modification. This article reviews these areas of progress and discusses the challenges associated with discovery of antiepileptogenic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 17, Hannover, Germany.
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Li G, Yang K, Zheng C, Liu Q, Chang Y, Kerrigan JF, Wu J. Functional rundown of gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) receptors in human hypothalamic hamartomas. Ann Neurol 2011; 69:664-72. [PMID: 21391233 DOI: 10.1002/ana.22298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 09/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Human hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) are highly associated with treatment-resistant gelastic seizures. HHs are intrinsically epileptogenic, although the basic cellular mechanisms responsible for seizure activity are unknown. Altered gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) function can contribute to epileptogenesis in humans and animal models. Recently, functional GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A) R) rundown has been described in surgically resected human temporal lobe epilepsy tissue. We asked whether functional GABA(A) R rundown also occurs in human HH neurons. METHODS GABA(A) R-mediated currents were measured using perforated patch-clamp recordings in single neurons acutely dissociated from surgically resected HH tissue. In addition, functional GABA(A) Rs were expressed in Xenopus oocytes after microinjection with membrane fractions from either HH or control hypothalamus, and were studied with 2-electrode voltage-clamp recordings. RESULTS Perforated patch-clamp recordings in dissociated HH neurons showed that repetitive exposure to GABA (5 consecutive exposures to 0.1 mM GABA with 1-second duration and at 20-second intervals) induced a time-dependent rundown of whole-cell currents in small HH neurons, whereas large HH neurons showed much less rundown using the same protocol. Functional rundown was not observed in HH neurons with repetitive exposure to glycine or glutamate. Two-electrode voltage-clamp recordings (6 consecutive exposures to 1 mM GABA with 10-second duration and at 40-second intervals) induced GABA current rundown in Xenopus oocytes microinjected with HH membrane proteins, but not in the oocytes expressing hypothalamic membrane proteins derived from human autopsy controls. Functional rundown of GABA currents was significantly attenuated by intracellular application of adenosine triphosphate or the nonspecific phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid. INTERPRETATION Neurons from surgically resected human HH demonstrate functional rundown of GABA(A) R-mediated transmembrane currents in response to GABA agonist exposure. Rundown may be a marker for impaired GABAergic function and a contributing mechanism for seizure genesis within HH tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Li
- Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Li J, Xiao N, Chen S. Efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam in children with epilepsy. Brain Dev 2011; 33:145-51. [PMID: 20359839 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2010.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2010] [Revised: 03/04/2010] [Accepted: 03/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam (Lev) in children with epilepsy. METHODS Open-label observational, prospective, single arm, non-interventional study examining patients (≤14 years) with epilepsy, receiving mono- or combination therapy with levetiracetam. Levetiracetam was started at a dose of approximately 10mg/kg/day. The dose was titrated up with 10mg/kg increments if seizures were poorly controlled but the maximum daily dose could not be more than 60 mg/kg/day. Documented were seizure type and frequency, levetiracetam dose and side effects. RESULTS 120 patients (39.3% females, mean age 4.5 ± 3.9 years) were enrolled. Average duration of follow-up was 10.3 ± 3.5 months. At study endpoint, 64.8% of patients got seizure free and 83.0% got a seizure reduction of ≥50%. Observed side effects were somnolence, dysphoria, nervousness, dystrophy, somnipathy, asitia, debilitation, etc. and the incidence rate in the study was 47.5%. Four (3.3%) of 120 patients withdrew because of intolerance of side effects. The estimated one year retention rate of levetiracetam was 73.3%. Poor effect was the most common reason for withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS In our study, it seemed that levetiracetam was safe and effective for a wide range of epileptic seizures in children with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
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Efficacy of levetiracetam in the treatment of drug-resistant Rett syndrome. Epilepsy Res 2009; 88:112-7. [PMID: 19914805 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2009.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2009] [Revised: 10/07/2009] [Accepted: 10/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by a wide spectrum of phenotypes. Epilepsy is reported to occur in 50-90% of patients with RTT; some develop medically refractory epilepsy. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of levetiracetam (LEV) in drug-resistant patients with RTT. This prospective, pragmatic, open-label study consisted of an 8-week baseline period and a 6-month evaluation period. Efficacy variable was the mean frequency of monthly seizures before, and after 3 and 6 months of treatment with LEV. Eight female patients, aged 7.5-19 years (M12.8+/-5) entered the study. Mean age at epilepsy onset was 25.8+/-14.1 months. All patients showed MeCP2 mutation. Patients had been treated with a mean of 3.4 AEDs (2-7) before LEV. The mean LEV dose was 44.84+/-18.02mg/kg/day. The mean monthly seizure frequency for all types of seizures during the baseline period was 21.3+/-8.1 (range 10-35); after 3 months it was 3.3+/-4.1 (range 0-9) and after 6 months of LEV treatment it was 1.5+/-2 (range 0-4), p<0.0001. The mean follow-up period was 20.2+/-13 months. Mild sleepiness occurred in two patients, one reported intermittent agitation. Levetiracetam appeared effective in our series of drug-resistant RTT patients. All reported a reduction in seizure frequency and consequently a better quality of life.
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Arpin S, Lagrue E, Bodard S, Chalon S, Castelnau P. Basal ganglia neuroprotection with anticonvulsants after energy stress: a comparative study. Metab Brain Dis 2009; 24:453-61. [PMID: 19789969 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-009-9144-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2009] [Accepted: 07/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model provides a valuable paradigm of the energy deficiency disorders found in childhood. In such disorders, anticonvulsants may provide neuroprotection by modulating cellular energy consumption and by exerting favorable pleiotropic effects on neuronal survival. To verify such hypothesis, we tested the effects of levetiracetam, vigabatrin, gabapentine, pregabaline, tiagabine, clonazepam and lamotrigine on neuroprotection in the MPTP mouse model. The membrane dopamine transporter (DAT) density, which provides a reliable index of dopaminergic neurons survival in the basal ganglia, was assessed by semi-quantitative autoradiography of the striatum. Unlike all other anticonvulsants tested, lamotrigine provided a significant and dose-dependent neuroprotection in these experimental conditions. Lamotrigine, a widely used and well-tolerated molecule in children, could provide neuroprotection in various energy deficiency disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Arpin
- UMRS INSERM U 930, CNRS ERL 3106, Imagerie et cerveau, Tours 37000, France
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Sardo P, D’Agostino S, Rizzo V, Carletti F, Lonobile G, Ferraro G. In the rat maximal dentate activation model of partial complex epilepsy, the anticonvulsant activity of levetiracetam is modulated by nitric oxide-active drugs. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2009; 116:831-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-009-0233-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2008] [Accepted: 04/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Microtransplantation of ligand-gated receptor-channels from fresh or frozen nervous tissue into Xenopus oocytes: A potent tool for expanding functional information. Prog Neurobiol 2009; 88:32-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2009.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2008] [Revised: 12/21/2008] [Accepted: 01/29/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Trinka E, Dobesberger J. New treatment options in status epilepticus: a critical review on intravenous levetiracetam. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2009; 2:79-91. [PMID: 21180643 PMCID: PMC3002622 DOI: 10.1177/1756285608100460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of Levetiracetam (LEV) in the treatment of focal and generalised epilepsies is well established. LEV has a wide spectrum of action, good tolerability and a favourable pharmacokinetic profile. An injectable formulation has been released as an intravenous (IV) infusion in 2006 for patients with epilepsy when oral administration is temporarily not feasible. Bioequivalence to the oral preparation has been demonstrated with good tolerability and safety enabling a smooth transition from oral to parenteral formulation and vice versa. Although IV LEV is not licensed for treatment of status epilepticus (SE), open-label experience in retrospective case series is accumulating. Until now (August 2008) 156 patients who were treated with IV LEV for various forms of SE have been reported with an overall success rate of 65.4%. The most often used initial dose was 2000-3000 mg over 15 minutes. Adverse events were reported in 7.1%, and were mild and transient. Although IV LEV is an interesting alternative for the treatment of SE due to the lack of centrally depressive effects and low potential of drug interactions, one has to be aware of the nonrandomised retrospective study design, the heterogenous patient population and treatment protocols, and the publication bias inherent in these type of studies. Only a large randomised controlled trial with an adequate comparator will reveal the efficacy and effectiveness of this promising new IV formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugen Trinka
- Medical University Innsbruck, Department of Neurology, Innsbruck, Austria
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Kaminski RM, Matagne A, Patsalos PN, Klitgaard H. Benefit of combination therapy in epilepsy: A review of the preclinical evidence with levetiracetam. Epilepsia 2009; 50:387-97. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01713.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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47
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Levetiracetam in stiff-person syndrome. J Neurol 2008; 255:1721-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-008-0007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2008] [Revised: 04/23/2008] [Accepted: 05/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Epstein CM, Girard-Siqueira L, Ehrenberg JA. Prolonged neurophysiologic effects of levetiracetam after oral administration in humans. Epilepsia 2008; 49:1169-73. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01562.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Nagarkatti N, Deshpande LS, DeLorenzo RJ. Levetiracetam inhibits both ryanodine and IP3 receptor activated calcium induced calcium release in hippocampal neurons in culture. Neurosci Lett 2008; 436:289-93. [PMID: 18406528 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.02.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2007] [Revised: 02/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/07/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide, and there is a pressing need to develop new anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) and understand their mechanisms of action. Levetiracetam (LEV) is a novel AED and despite its increasingly widespread clinical use, its mechanism of action is as yet undetermined. Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) regulation by both inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP3R) and ryanodine receptors (RyR) has been implicated in epileptogenesis and the maintenance of epilepsy. To this end, we investigated the effect of LEV on RyR and IP3R activated calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) in hippocampal neuronal cultures. RyR-mediated CICR was stimulated using the well-characterized RyR activator, caffeine. Caffeine (10mM) caused a significant increase in [Ca2+]i in hippocampal neurons. Treatment with LEV (33 microM) prior to stimulation of RyR-mediated CICR by caffeine led to a 61% decrease in the caffeine induced peak height of [Ca2+]i when compared to the control. Bradykinin stimulates IP3R-activated CICR-to test the effect of LEV on IP3R-mediated CICR, bradykinin (1 microM) was used to stimulate cells pre-treated with LEV (100 microM). The data showed that LEV caused a 74% decrease in IP3R-mediated CICR compared to the control. In previous studies we have shown that altered Ca2+ homeostatic mechanisms play a role in seizure activity and the development of spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges (SREDs). Elevations in [Ca2+]i mediated by CICR systems have been associated with neurotoxicity, changes in neuronal plasticity, and the development of AE. Thus, the ability of LEV to modulate the two major CICR systems demonstrates an important molecular effect of this agent on a major second messenger system in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Nagarkatti
- Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
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GABA(A)-current rundown of temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with repetitive activation of GABA(A) "phasic" receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:20944-8. [PMID: 18083839 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0710522105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A study was made of the "rundown" of GABA(A) receptors, microtransplanted to Xenopus oocytes from surgically resected brain tissues of patients afflicted with drug-resistant human mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE). Cell membranes, isolated from mTLE neocortex specimens, were injected into frog oocytes that rapidly incorporated functional GABA(A) receptors. Upon repetitive activation with GABA (1 mM), "epileptic" GABA(A) receptors exhibited a GABA(A)-current (I(GABA)) rundown that was significantly enhanced by Zn(2+) (</=250 microM), and practically abolished by the high-affinity GABA(A) receptor inverse agonist SR95531 (gabazine; 2.5-25 microM). Conversely, I(GABA) generated by "control" GABA(A) receptors microtransplanted from nonepileptic temporal lobe, lesional TLE, or authoptic disease-free tissues remained stable during repetitive stimulation, even in oocytes treated with Zn(2+). We conclude that rundown of mTLE epileptic receptors depends on the presence of "phasic GABA(A) receptors" that have low sensitivity to antagonism by Zn(2+). Additionally, we found that GABA(A) receptors, microtransplanted from the cerebral cortex of adult rats exhibiting recurrent seizures, caused by pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus, showed greater rundown than control tissue, an event also occurring in patch-clamped rat pyramidal neurons. Rundown of epileptic rat receptors resembled that of human mTLE receptors, being enhanced by Zn(2+) (40 microM) and sensitive to the antiepileptic agent levetiracetam, the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and the phosphatase blocker okadaic acid. Our findings point to the rundown of GABA(A) receptors as a hallmark of TLE and suggest that modulating tonic and phasic mTLE GABA(A) receptor activity may represent a useful therapeutic approach to the disease.
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