Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Herlinda Bonilla-Jaime, Helena Zeleke, Asheebo Rojas, Claudia Espinosa-Garcia
Summary: Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and daytime sleepiness, are common in people diagnosed with epilepsy. Poor sleep quality in epilepsy patients is associated with intensified seizure frequency and disease progression. Understanding the relationship between sleep and epilepsy is crucial, as neuroinflammation may play a role in worsening seizures in sleep-deprived individuals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Abhishek Dahal, Karthivashan Govindarajan, Satyabrata Kar
Summary: In this study, the authors investigated the alterations of different subtypes of astrocytes and tau protein in a KA-treated rat model of TLE. The results showed increased levels/expression of various astrocyte markers and both A1 and A2-like astrocytes in the hippocampus of KA-treated rats. Additionally, the levels of total and phospho-tau, as well as cleaved-tau in certain astrocyte subpopulations, were also increased. These findings suggest a differential role for astrocytic subpopulations and tau protein in the development of seizures and neuronal loss in TLE.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Christoph Helmstaedter, Teresa Lutz, Vinzent Wolf, Juri-Alexander Witt
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dementia diagnoses among patients at a large university epilepsy center. The findings showed that the prevalence of dementia in epilepsy is relatively low. However, the risk of dementia is higher in the elderly, in late-onset epilepsies, and when comorbid risk factors exist. Seizures can also be an early sign of a neurodegenerative disease. Future research should focus on screening for dementia in patients with epilepsy and stratifying them based on underlying pathologies and comorbidities.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta D'Amora, Alessandro Galgani, Maria Marchese, Francesco Tantussi, Ugo Faraguna, Francesco De Angelis, Filippo Sean Giorgi
Summary: This article explores the potential of using Zebrafish as a model for epilepsy research. Zebrafish provide a simplified and cost-effective alternative to traditional rodent models for studying the pathophysiology and drug treatments of epilepsy. They can be easily genetically modified to mimic specific forms of human epilepsy and have been successfully induced to have seizures using various chemical agents. This research highlights the state-of-the-art and potential new applications of Zebrafish in understanding the mechanisms of epilepsy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ying Chen, Katherine D. Holland, Howard G. Shertzer, Daniel W. Nebert, Timothy P. Dalton
Summary: Reduced glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AA) are important antioxidants in mammalian tissues. Knockout mice lacking GSH biosynthesis genes or functional AA synthesis genes exhibited neurological abnormalities and seizures. A study found that the absence of both GSH and AA in mice led to spontaneous seizures and brain damage, but the addition of AA to the diet prevented these symptoms. The interaction between GSH and AA is crucial for normal brain function and neuronal health.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eung Chang Kim, Jiaren Zhang, Andy Y. Tang, Eric C. Bolton, Justin S. Rhodes, Catherine A. Christian-Hinman, Hee Jung Chung
Summary: This study reveals that impaired axonal surface expression of K(v)7 channels in KCNQ2-related epileptic encephalopathy is associated with epileptic seizures, cognitive and behavioral deficits, and neuronal loss.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fabio Poggio, Martina Brofiga, Mariateresa Tedesco, Paolo Massobrio, Enrico Adriano, Maurizio Balestrino
Summary: In this study, the acute and chronic effects of GAA on the electrophysiology of cultured neurons were investigated using MEAs. The results showed that GAA at normal cerebrospinal fluid concentration did not affect any of the parameters tested, while at GAMT deficiency concentration, it only affected the bursting rate of neocortical networks and the burst duration of hippocampal networks. At the highest concentration, it caused a decrease in all parameters. These findings indicate that GAA is not epileptogenic.
Article
Neurosciences
Adriana Covarrubias-Pinto, Alejandra Parra, Gonzalo Mayorga-Weber, Eduardo Papic, Isidora Vicencio, Pamela Ehrenfeld, Francisco J. Rivera, Maite A. Castro
Summary: Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a glutamine expansion in the huntingtin gene, associated with energy metabolism failure and oxidative damage. Ascorbic acid, a powerful antioxidant highly concentrated in the brain, modulates neuronal metabolism through the SVCT2 transporter. Alterations in SVCT2 trafficking to the plasma membrane in resting and active conditions in HD result in redox imbalance during early stages of the disease.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Soultana Papadopoulou, Efterpi Pavlidou, Georgios Argyris, Thaleia Flouda, Panagiota Koukoutsidi, Konstantinos Krikonis, Sidrah Shah, Dana Chirosca-Vasileiou, Stergios Boussios
Summary: This study explores the relationship between speech disorder-stuttering and epileptic seizures, and raises awareness of the diagnostic dilemmas and potential misdiagnosis. It emphasizes the complexity and importance of accurately detecting stuttering-induced epilepsy.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Artemio Rosiles-Abonce, Carmen Rubio, Elisa Taddei, Dulce Rosiles, Moises Rubio-Osornio
Summary: Retinoic acid, a metabolite of vitamin A, exerts antiepileptic effects through genomic or nongenomic actions by interacting with retinoid receptors such as RAR and RXR. The receptors are mainly concentrated in specific brain regions and orchestrate the transcription of specific gene networks. However, there is a lack of clinical trials evaluating the use of retinoic acid for seizure control.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Jacob Pellinen, Jaqueline French, Kelly G. Knupp
Summary: Diagnostic delay in epilepsy is a significant issue, with delays in diagnosing new-onset focal epilepsy being identified as an important problem. Nonmotor seizure semiology appears to be a major contributor to this delay, particularly when patients present to emergency departments. Recent studies have highlighted potential interventions to improve recognition and diagnosis in this population.
CURRENT NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Samrina Hanif, Shane T. Musick
Summary: Reflex seizures are epileptic events that are consistently elicited in response to specific stimuli or activities, with various triggers such as flashing lights and reading. Treatment involves antiseizure medication, lifestyle modifications, and occasionally surgical intervention. High clinical suspicion and thorough history taking are crucial in identifying reflex triggers in epilepsy patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Palumbo, Marianna Carinci, Annunziata Guarino, Laila Asth, Silvia Zucchini, Sonia Missiroli, Alessandro Rimessi, Paolo Pinton, Carlotta Giorgi
Summary: Neuroinflammation is a defense mechanism in the central nervous system against harmful stimuli, but dysregulation of this process is associated with CNS disorders. It has been shown that neuroinflammation is linked to epilepsy, specifically the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and epileptic seizures. This review provides an overview of the role of NLRP3-dependent inflammation in epilepsy and proposes potential therapeutic strategies.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Jakob I. Doerrfuss, Jonas M. Hebel, Martin Holtkamp
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the association between white matter lesions (WML) in cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and epilepsy. It found a significant association between WML and seizures, but the association with seizure recurrence risk is unclear. There is also a lack of studies on the efficacy of anti-seizure medication (ASM) therapy in the presence of WML in CSVD.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Lise Heylen, Duc-Hung Pham, Ann-Sofie De Meulemeester, Eric Samarut, Adrianna Skiba, Danielle Copmans, Youcef Kazwiny, Pieter Vanden Berghe, Peter A. M. de Witte, Aleksandra Siekierska
Summary: Zebrafish present a novel model for epilepsy research, offering unique insights for studying epileptogenic processes in vivo and suitable for high-throughput AED screening and rapid genetic investigations.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Krzysztof Lukawski, Stanislaw Jerzy Czuczwar
Summary: This study investigated the effects of moxonidine on the anticonvulsant efficacy of various AEDs in an animal model, showing that it could potentiate the protective effect of valproate, possibly through pharmacodynamic interactions, without causing adverse effects when combined with AEDs. Further research is needed to elucidate the potential mechanisms involved in the enhancement of valproate's anticonvulsant action by moxonidine.
BASIC & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Krzysztof Lukawski, Stanislaw J. Czuczwar
Summary: This article discusses novel drug targets for the management of drug-resistant seizures, including brain multidrug efflux transporters and inflammatory pathways. Strategies for reducing blood brain barrier dysfunction and enhancing anti-oxidative defense are also explored.
EXPERT OPINION ON THERAPEUTIC TARGETS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ryszard Pluta, Slawomir Januszewski, Stanislaw J. Czuczwar
Summary: This review summarizes the protein and gene changes associated with Alzheimer's disease and their role in post-ischemic hippocampal neurodegeneration. Dysregulation of the genes for the amyloid protein precursor metabolism and tau protein, similar to Alzheimer's disease, is found in the hippocampus. Amyloid and tau protein, derived from brain tissue and blood due to increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier after ischemia, play a key role in post-ischemic neurodegeneration and the development of dementia. Understanding these neurodegenerative mechanisms is crucial for therapeutic development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Roman Chwedorowicz, Krzysztof Lukawski, Grzegorz Raszewski, Stanislaw J. Czuczwar
Summary: The study found that caffeine reduces the anticonvulsant action of pregabalin against seizures without affecting their brain concentration. Additionally, caffeine protects against motor coordination impairment induced by pregabalin.
PHARMACOLOGICAL REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ryszard Pluta, Wanda Furmaga-Jablonska, Slawomir Januszewski, Stanislaw J. Czuczwar
Summary: Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound, has pleiotropic biological properties and can regulate changes in the brain after ischemia and neurodegenerative diseases. It can prevent the aggregation and insolubility of aging-related proteins, and reduce neurotoxicity. Animal models of cerebral ischemia have demonstrated that curcumin can reduce various pathological changes and improve neurological and behavioral deficits.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ryszard Pluta, Jacek Kis, Slawomir Januszewski, Miroslaw Jablonski, Stanislaw J. Czuczwar
Summary: Recent research into free radicals oxidative stress has made significant progress, especially in the context of post-ischemic recirculation brain injury. Oxidative stress in post-ischemic tissues damages the integrity of the genome, leading to DNA damage, neuronal, glial and vascular cell death, and impaired neurological functioning after brain ischemia. DNA damage and repair are now understood to play a crucial role in post-stroke white and gray matter remodeling, and the restoration of the blood-brain barrier. This review explores a newly discovered mechanism involving genomic and proteomic development that takes brain ischemia to a new level of post-ischemic neuropathological mechanisms, including the presence of amyloid plaques and the development of neurofibrillary tangles, which further contribute to oxidative stress. Additionally, the modified amyloid and tau protein, along with the generated oxidative stress, are hypothesized to be key elements in the vicious circle that contributes to the development of post-ischemic neurodegeneration in a type of Alzheimer's disease proteinopathy.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Krzysztof Lukawski, Grzegorz Raszewski, Stanislaw Jerzy Czuczwar
Summary: This study demonstrates that co-exposure to caffeine may increase the neurotoxicity of tefluthrin. The interaction between tefluthrin and caffeine with the cholinergic system, resulting in a decrease in AChE activity in the brain, is not responsible for the observed effect in the rotarod test.
ANNALS OF AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ryszard Pluta, Slawomir Januszewski, Stanislaw J. Czuczwar
Summary: This article highlights the neuroprotective effects of molecular hydrogen following ischemic brain injury, including its potential for improving cognitive and neurological deficits and preventing neurodegenerative changes. The study suggests that molecular hydrogen may be a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Ryszard Pluta, Miroslaw Jablonski, Slawomir Januszewski, Stanislaw J. Czuczwar
Summary: This article examines the impact of aging on the microbiota-gut-brain axis, emphasizing that all elements are subject to age-related changes. The interaction between microbiota, microglia, and neurons in the brain after ischemic stroke in elderly individuals is also discussed, along with clinical studies on the role of the aged microbiota-gut-brain axis in the development of stroke risk factors and changes in the post-stroke microflora.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Barbara Miziak, Stanislaw J. Czuczwar, Ryszard Pluta
Summary: Patients with epilepsy may require antidepressant treatment due to the high prevalence of depression in this population. There may be pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions between antiepileptic and antidepressant drugs. Animal data suggest that chronic administration of antidepressants can either enhance or reduce the anticonvulsant activity of certain antiepileptic drugs.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Barbara Miziak, Stanislaw J. Czuczwar
Summary: The article reviews several methods for studying KNa 1.1 channels and discusses available drugs for the management of KCNT1 epilepsies. It also suggests a combined approach with in silico methods and animal models to create personalized treatment for patients with KCNT1 gene mutations.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DISCOVERY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Rusek, Joanna Smith, Kamel El-Khatib, Kennedy Aikins, Stanislaw J. Czuczwar, Ryszard Pluta
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is not only characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, but also involves neuroinflammation. The interplay between the nervous and immune systems might be crucial in preventing or delaying the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The JAK/STAT signaling pathway, influenced by the overactivation of microglia and astrocytes, plays an important role in determining the fate of gliogenic cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Marek Pawlik, Anna Maria Czarnecka, Marcin Kolodziej, Katarzyna Skowronska, Michal Wegrzynowicz, Martyna Podgajna, Stanislaw Jerzy Czuczwar, Jan Albrecht
Summary: This study found that pretreatment with a glutamine synthetase inhibitor, methionine sulfoximine (MSO), can mitigate the intensity of seizures during the initial phase. The protective effect of MSO is achieved by preventing an increase in cell volume.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kamil Kosmider, Maciej Kamieniak, Stanislaw J. Czuczwar, Barbara Miziak
Summary: Epilepsy is a chronic disease that causes recurrent seizures due to excessive oxidants formed during epileptic seizures. This review examines the relationship between newer antiepileptic drugs and oxidative stress. It suggests that drugs enhancing GABA-ergic transmission or other antiepileptics can reduce neuronal oxidation markers, but high doses of GABA-enhancing drugs may increase oxidative stress. Additionally, diazepam has a neuroprotective effect in a U-shaped dose-dependent manner.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ryszard Pluta, Barbara Miziak, Stanislaw J. Czuczwar
Summary: The aim of this review is to present evidence of the impact of ischemic changes in the blood-brain barrier on the maturation of post-ischemic brain neurodegeneration with features of Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the processes involved in the permeability of the post-ischemic blood-brain barrier during recirculation will provide clinically relevant knowledge regarding the neuropathological changes that ultimately lead to dementia of the Alzheimer's disease type. This review distinguishes between primary and secondary neuropathological processes during and after ischemia, observing two stages that contribute to Alzheimer's disease development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
