Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Krzysztof Lukawski, Stanislaw J. Czuczwar
Summary: Approximately 70% of epilepsy patients can be successfully treated with antiepileptic drugs, but drug-resistant epilepsy is associated with poor quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain pharmacoresistance, and the search for newer AEDs or non-AEDs may provide efficacious drugs. Combinations of AEDs exerting synergy in preclinical and clinical studies could be important in managing drug-resistant epilepsy.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG METABOLISM & TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Pim B. van der Meer, Linda Dirven, Marta Fiocco, Maaike J. Vos, Mathilde C. M. Kouwenhoven, Martin J. van den Bent, Martin J. B. Taphoorn, Johan A. F. Koekkoek
Summary: This study suggests that LEV + VPA is more effective than other ASM combinations for patients with glioma who have uncontrolled seizures on ASM monotherapy. Both groups experienced similar toxicities.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jennifer Madan Cohen, Daniel Checketts, Eduardo Dunayevich, Boudewijn Gunning, Ann Hyslop, Deepak Madhavan, Vicente Villanueva, Marta Zolnowska, Sameer M. Zuberi
Summary: This study conducted post hoc analysis of two randomized controlled trials on the time to onset of cannabidiol (CBD) treatment effects in patients with Dravet syndrome. The results suggest that therapeutic effects of CBD may start within 2 weeks of treatment in some patients. Although adverse events of CBD treatment lasted longer than placebo, most resolved within the 14-week study period.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shu Zhou, Hailong Ou, Yatao Wu, Dan Qi, Xiaming Pei, Xiaohui Yu, Xiaoxiao Hu, Erxi Wu
Summary: Tumor endothelial cells (TECs), residing in blood vessels, are a potential target for cancer therapy. DNA methylation, catalyzed by DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), plays a crucial role in tumor initiation and progression. Inhibiting DNMT activity with DNMT inhibitors (DNMTis) can release cancer suppressor genes from repression. This review outlines the characteristics of TECs, the development of tumor blood vessels and TECs, and the therapeutic potential of DNMTis in targeting TECs. The accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities of combination therapy with DNMTis for TECs are also discussed.©2023 Published by Elsevier Inc.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Sung Chul Lim, Won Gu Lee, Dong Wook Kim, Kwang Ki Kim, Young -Min Shon, Jihyun Park, Yoona Lee, Dae-Won Seo
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of perampanel monotherapy after conversion from adjunctive therapy. The results showed that the retention rates of patients switched to perampanel monotherapy at 3, 6, and 12 months were 96.0%, 96.0%, and 75.6% respectively. The overall retention rates after perampanel add-on were also favorable. Perampanel was well tolerated and no new safety signals were identified.
EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Donger Zhang, Xia Li, Jing Ding, Xiatong Ke, Wenpei Ding, Yinan Ren, He Xu, Hongchao Li, Aixia Ma, Wenxi Tang
Summary: The study demonstrates that Perampanel is cost-effective for Chinese patients with partial-onset seizures, improving patient outcomes and quality-adjusted life years while maintaining an acceptable budget impact on medical insurance.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Michael Privitera, Hari Bhathal, Matthew Wong, J. Helen Cross, Elaine Wirrell, Eric D. Marsh, Maria Mazurkiewicz-Beldzinska, Vicente Villanueva, Daniel Checketts, Volker Knappertz, Kevan VanLandingham
Summary: The study found that the treatment effect of CBD may occur within 1 week of starting treatment, and although adverse events lasted longer for CBD than placebo, most resolved within the 14-week period.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Valeria Pingue, Chiara Mele, Antonio Nardone
Summary: PTS is a common complication of TBI with substantial impact on patient rehabilitation progress. EPTS increases the risk of LPTS, which in turn leads to worse neurological and rehabilitation outcomes. The use of ASM is associated with poorer rehabilitation outcome, regardless of epilepsy onset during treatment.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yao Lu, Qingqing Pan, Wenxia Gao, Yuji Pu, Kui Luo, Bin He, Zhongwei Gu
Summary: Disulfiram (DSF) has been used as an alcoholism drug for 70 years and has recently gained attention for its anticancer activity. However, the oral delivery of DSF in clinical settings has not yielded satisfactory outcomes, calling for a deeper understanding of its mechanisms and limitations. This review provides a critical summary of the molecular biological anticancer mechanisms of DSF/Cu2+ and explains the challenges of oral DSF delivery in clinical oncology. It also highlights recent advances in DSF/Cu2+ delivery strategies and emerging treatment regimens for cancer therapy.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shailly Mehrotra, Atul Bhattaram, Kevin Krudys, Michael Bewernitz, Ramana Uppoor, Mehul Mehta, Tao Liu, Philip Sheridan, Norman Hershkowitz, Nicholas Kozauer, Eric Bastings, Billy Dunn, Angela Yuxin Men
Summary: The US FDA has concluded that drugs approved for treating partial onset seizures in adults can be applied to pediatric patients aged one month and older, eliminating the need for independent efficacy trials. This study analyzes dosing, pharmacokinetic, exposure-response, and clinical data from eight approved drugs to support the extrapolation of efficacy in pediatric patients with partial onset seizures. The results show that based on disease similarity, response to treatment, and exposure-response relationships, the extrapolation of efficacy in pediatric patients aged one month and above is justified.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Pim B. van der Meer, Linda Dirven, Marta Fiocco, Maaike J. Vos, Mathilde C. M. Kouwenhoven, Martin J. van den Bent, Martin J. B. Taphoorn, Johan A. F. Koekkoek
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of levetiracetam combined with valproic acid and clobazam compared with other triple therapy combinations in patients with glioma. The results showed that there were no significant differences in treatment failure rate, uncontrolled seizure rate, adverse effects rate, and recurrent seizure rate between levetiracetam combined with valproic acid and clobazam and other triple therapy combinations.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Pim B. van der Meer, Linda Dirven, Marta Fiocco, Maaike J. Vos, Mathilde C. M. Kouwenhoven, Martin J. van den Bent, Martin J. B. Taphoorn, Johan A. F. Koekkoek
Summary: This retrospective observational study found that levetiracetam may have better efficacy compared to valproic acid for patients with glioma and epilepsy, while the toxicity levels seem similar between the two drugs. Therefore, levetiracetam appears to be the preferred choice for first-line antiepileptic drug treatment in glioma patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Monika Banach, Monika Rudkowska, Agata Sumara, Kinga Borowicz-Reutt
Summary: Experimental studies suggest that amiodarone may enhance the antielectroshock activity of oxcarbazepine and pregabalin, while causing memory disturbances when used in combination with certain antiepileptic drugs. There is a potential risk of elevated brain concentrations of amiodarone when coadministered with oxcarbazepine, topiramate, or pregabalin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Itzel Jatziri Contreras-Garcia, Noemi Cardenas-Rodriguez, Antonio Romo-Mancillas, Cindy Bandala, Sergio R. Zamudio, Saul Gomez-Manzo, Beatriz Hernandez-Ochoa, Julieta Griselda Mendoza-Torreblanca, Luz Adriana Pichardo-Macias
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive review of levetiracetam, discussing its clinical uses, structural properties, therapeutic targets, and various molecular, genetic, and systemic action mechanisms, highlighting its potential as a candidate for drug repurposing.
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)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Vladislav Bugay, Eda Bozdemir, Fabio A. Vigil, Sang H. Chun, Deborah M. Holstein, William R. Elliott, Cassie J. Sprague, Jose E. Cavazos, David O. Zamora, Gregory Rule, Mark S. Shapiro, James D. Lechleiter, Robert Brenner
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2020)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Fabio A. Vigil, Eda Bozdemir, Vladislav Bugay, Sang H. Chung, MaryAnn Hobbs, Isamar Sanchez, Shayne D. Hastings, Rafael J. Veraza, Deborah M. Holstein, Shane M. Sprague, Chase M. Carver, Jose E. Cavazos, Robert Brenner, James D. Lechleiter, Mark S. Shapiro
JOURNAL OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW AND METABOLISM
(2020)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Damon P. Cardenas, Jonathan J. Halford, Luke E. Whitmire, Lola C. Morgan, Octavian V. Lie, Gina M. Jetter, Jose E. Cavazos
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Vahid Eslami, Morgan C. Lola, Steven C. Karceski, Jose E. Cavazos, Charles Akos Szabo
Review
Clinical Neurology
Eithan Kotkowski, John H. Cabot, John Lacci, Davis H. Payne, Jose E. Cavazos, Rebecca S. Romero, Ali Seifi
CLINICAL NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY
(2020)
Letter
Health Care Sciences & Services
Mytien Nguyen, Hyacinth R. C. Mason, Umaru Barrie, Donna B. Jeffe, Jose E. Cavazos, Ashar Ata, Dowin Boatright
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Eda Bozdemir, Fabio A. Vigil, Sang H. Chun, Liliana Espinoza, Vladislav Bugay, Sarah M. Khoury, Deborah M. Holstein, Aiola Stoja, Damian Lozano, Ceyda Tunca, Shane M. Sprague, Jose E. Cavazos, Robert Brenner, Theodore E. Liston, Mark S. Shapiro, James D. Lechleiter
Summary: AST-004, a novel A(3) receptor agonist, increases astrocyte energy production and enhances their neuroprotective efficacy after brain injury.
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Angela Martinez-Strengel, Elizabeth A. Samuels, Jeremiah Cross, Laura D. Cramer, Mayur M. Desai, Ruth Gotian, Cary P. Gross, Darin Latimore, Jose E. Cavazos, Dowin Boatright
Summary: From 2009 to 2018, there was a consistent and sustained increase in the percentage of female and underrepresented minority (URM) matriculants to MD-PhD programs. However, the annual increases in the percentages across groups were small, and the demographics of the MD-PhD workforce still do not reflect the diversity of the U.S. general population.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Devasmita Chakraverty, Jose E. Cavazos, Donna B. Jeffe
Summary: This study investigated the impostor phenomenon experiences among MD-PhD trainees and the reasons behind these feelings. The findings revealed that challenges faced during training could intensify self-doubt and anxiety, and the impact of impostor phenomenon on MD-PhD trainees has not been previously described. Trainees attributed these feelings to professional identity formation, fear of evaluation, minority status, and program-transition experiences. The study suggests further examination of program structures, cultures, and social interactions to understand how they contribute to feelings of alienation and impostor phenomenon, especially for students from diverse and underrepresented populations in medicine.
BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mytien Nguyen, Sarwat Chaudhry, Emmanuella Asabor, Mayur M. Desai, Elle Lett, Jose E. Cavazos, Hyacinth R. C. Mason, Dowin Boatright
Summary: The study reveals that women have more research experiences but fewer publications, while Asian students have higher publication rates and Black and Hispanic students have lower publication rates. This indicates early inequities in the physician-scientist workforce and suggests the need for intervention in funding support and mentorship training during undergraduate medical education to promote diversity in the future workforce.
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Mytien Nguyen, Nghia D. Nguyen, Sarwat I. Chaudhry, Mayur M. Desai, Jose E. Cavazos, Dowin Boatright
Article
Clinical Neurology
Fabio A. Vigil, Hindiael Belchior, Vladislav Bugay, Isabella I. Bazaldua, Aiola Stoja, Denise C. Dantas, Sang H. Chun, Austin Farmer, Eda Bozdemir, Deborah M. Holstein, Jose E. Cavazos, James D. Lechleiter, Robert Brenner, Mark S. Shapiro
Summary: We investigated the potential beneficial effects of pharmacological increase of M-type K+ channel currents using the M-channel opener retigabine (RTG) on repetitive traumatic brain injuries (rTBIs). Our findings suggest that acute treatment with RTG after rTBIs has the potential to reduce the detrimental effects of these injuries, including the occurrence of post-traumatic seizures, the development of post-traumatic epilepsy, sleep-wake cycle alterations, and long-term changes in the brain. Additionally, we observed a direct relationship between sleep architecture and post-traumatic epilepsy.
Meeting Abstract
Clinical Neurology
Luke Whitmire, Shannon Voyles, Damon Cardenas, Jose Cavazos
Meeting Abstract
Critical Care Medicine
Eda Bozdemir, Fabio A. Vigil, Vladislav Bugay, Liliana Espinoza, Sang H. Chun, Deborah M. Holstein, Rowe Elliot, Cassie Sprague, Gregory Rule, William Korinek, Theodore Liston, Jose E. Cavazos, Mark S. Shapiro, David Zamora, Robert Brenner, James D. Lechleiter
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2019)
Article
Neurosciences
Saul Jaime, Hong Gu, Brian F. Sadacca, Elliot A. Stein, Jose E. Cavazos, Yihong Yang, Hanbing Lu