51
|
Dezsi G, Ozturk E, Stanic D, Powell KL, Blumenfeld H, O'Brien TJ, Jones NC. Ethosuximide reduces epileptogenesis and behavioral comorbidity in the GAERS model of genetic generalized epilepsy. Epilepsia 2013; 54:635-43. [PMID: 23464801 DOI: 10.1111/epi.12118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ethosuximide (ESX) is a drug of choice for the symptomatic treatment of absence seizures. Chronic treatment with ESX has been reported to have disease-modifying antiepileptogenic activity in the WAG/Rij rat model of genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) with absence seizures. Here we examined whether chronic treatment with ESX (1) possesses antiepileptogenic effects in the genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) model of GGE, (2) is associated with a mitigation of behavioral comorbidities, and (3) influences gene expression in the somatosensory cortex region where seizures are thought to originate. METHODS GAERS and nonepileptic control (NEC) rats were chronically treated with ESX (in drinking water) or control (tap water) from 3 to 22 weeks of age. Subsequently, all animals received tap water only for another 12 weeks to assess enduring effects of treatment. Seizure frequency and anxiety-like behaviors were serially assessed throughout the experimental paradigm. Treatment effects on the expression of key components of the epigenetic molecular machinery, the DNA methyltransferase enzymes, were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). KEY FINDINGS ESX treatment significantly reduced seizures in GAERS during the treatment phase, and this effect was maintained during the 12-week posttreatment phase (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the anxiety-like behaviors present in GAERS were reduced by ESX treatment (p < 0.05). Molecular analysis revealed that ESX treatment was associated with increased expression of DNA methyltransferase enzyme messenger RNA (mRNA) in cortex. SIGNIFICANCE Chronic ESX treatment has disease-modifying effects in the GAERS model of GGE, with antiepileptogenic effects against absence seizures and mitigation of behavioral comorbidities. The cellular mechanism for these effects may involve epigenetic modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabi Dezsi
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
52
|
Ameliorating effects of aripiprazole on cognitive functions and depressive-like behavior in a genetic rat model of absence epilepsy and mild-depression comorbidity. Neuropharmacology 2013; 64:371-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.06.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Revised: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
53
|
Russo E, Donato di Paola E, Gareri P, Siniscalchi A, Labate A, Gallelli L, Citraro R, De Sarro G. Pharmacodynamic potentiation of antiepileptic drugs' effects by some HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors against audiogenic seizures in DBA/2 mice. Pharmacol Res 2012; 70:1-12. [PMID: 23253428 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 11/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
It is known that the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) are effective in both the primary and the secondary prevention of ischemic heart disease. Increasing evidence indicates that statins have protective effects in several neurological diseases including stroke, cerebral ischemia, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury and epilepsy. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the effects of some HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (i.e. lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin and pravastatin) commonly used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in the DBA/2 mice, an animal model of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Furthermore, the co-administration of these compounds with some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs; i.e. carbamazepine, diazepam, felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, topiramate and valproate) was studied in order to identify possible positive pharmacological interactions. Simvastatin only was active against both the tonic and clonic phase of audiogenic seizures, whereas the other statins tested were only partially effective against the tonic phase with the following order of potency: lovastatin>fluvastatin>atorvastatin; pravastatin was completely ineffective up to the dose of 150mg/kg. The co-administration of ineffective doses of all statins with AEDs generally increased the potency of the latter reducing their ED50 values. In particular, simvastatin was the most active in potentiating the activity of AEDs and the combinations of statins with carbamazepine, diazepam, felbamate, lamotrigine, topiramate and valproate were the most favorable, whereas, the co-administrations with the other AEDs studied was in most cases neutral. The increase in potency was generally associated with an enhancement of motor impairment (TD50); however, the therapeutic index (TD50/ED50) of combined treatment of AEDs with statins was predominantly more favorable than control. Statins administration did not significantly affect the total plasma but, in some cases, it increased the free plasma levels and the brain concentrations of some of the AEDs studied (i.e. carbamazepine, diazepam, phenytoin and valproate); however, these alterations where not statistically significant. Therefore, with the exception of the latter compounds, we might exclude pharmacokinetic interactions and conclude that for the most of AEDs, potentiation was of pharmacodynamic nature. In conclusion, simvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin and atorvastatin showed an additive anticonvulsant effect when co-administered with some AEDs, most notably carbamazepine, diazepam, felbamate, lamotrigine, topiramate and valproate, implicating a possible therapeutic relevance of such drug combinations. The present results suggest that statins, besides the beneficial cardiovascular effects, might be able to affect brain areas, which might participate in the regulation of seizure susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, Clinical Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
54
|
Protective activity of α-lactoalbumin (ALAC), a whey protein rich in tryptophan, in rodent models of epileptogenesis. Neuroscience 2012; 226:282-8. [PMID: 23000629 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present work was to evaluate the potential activity of α-lactoalbumin (ALAC), a whey protein rich in tryptophan (TRP), in two rodent models of epileptogenesis and we explored a possible mechanism of action. The effects of ALAC (oral administration) were tested in two standard epileptogenesis protocols, namely the pilocarpine post-status epilepticus model in mice and the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epileptogenesis. The mechanism of action was investigated by assessing the effects of ALAC in two seizure models (N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) -induced seizures) including d-serine co-administration. ALAC showed protecting properties in both models of epileptogenesis, reducing spontaneous seizures development. In acute seizure models, ALAC possessed antiseizure properties at some of the doses tested (PTZ-seizures: >50% seizure-reduction between 250 and 375 mg/kg; NMDA-seizures: >90% reduction at 250 and 500 mg/kg). When a dose of d-serine ineffective per se was co-administered with ALAC, ALAC effects were significantly reversed in both models. ALAC is active in experimental models of seizure and epileptogenesis. Its effects are likely mediated by the inhibition of NMDA receptors at the glycine binding site, possibly secondarily to the in vivo enzymatic conversion of ALAC-generated tryptophan to kynurenic acid. However, other mechanisms of action contributing to ALAC effects cannot be excluded.
Collapse
|
55
|
Huang HY, Hu SH, Chian CS, Chen SY, Lai HY, Chen YY. Self-assembling PVA-F127 thermosensitive nanocarriers with highly sensitive magnetically-triggered drug release for epilepsy therapy in vivo. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1039/c2jm00032f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
56
|
Vigabatrin has antiepileptogenic and antidepressant effects in an animal model of epilepsy and depression comorbidity. Behav Brain Res 2011; 225:373-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 07/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
57
|
van Luijtelaar G, Wilde M, Citraro R, Scicchitano F, van Rijn C. Does antiepileptogenesis affect sleep in genetic epileptic rats? Int J Psychophysiol 2011; 85:49-54. [PMID: 21946343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2011.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2010] [Revised: 09/02/2011] [Accepted: 09/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Recently it was established that early long lasting treatment with the anti-absence drug ethosuximide (ETX) delays the occurrence of absences and reduces depressive-like symptoms in a genetic model for absence epilepsy, rats of the WAG/Rij strain. Here it is investigated whether anti-epileptogenesis (chronic treatments with ETX for 2 and 4 months) affects REM sleep in this model. Four groups of weaned male WAG/Rij rats were treated with ETX for 4 months, two groups for 2 months (at 2-3 and 4-5 months of age), the fourth group was untreated. Next, the rats were recorded 6 days after the last day of the treatment for 22.5 h. Non-REM sleep and REM sleep parameters and delta power were analyzed in four characteristic and representative hours of the recoding period. Four months treatment with ETX reduced the amount of REM sleep and REM sleep as percentage of total sleep time. Other sleep parameters were not affected by the treatment. Clear differences between the various hours of the light-dark phase in amounts of non-REM and REM sleep and delta power were found, in line with commonly reported circadian sleep patterns. It can be concluded that the reduction of REM sleep is unique for the early and long lasting chronic treatment. The outcomes may explain our earlier finding that a reduction of REM sleep might alleviate depressive like symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gilles van Luijtelaar
- Biological Psychology, DCC, Donders Institute of Cognition, Brain and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
58
|
Kovács Z, Czurkó A, Kékesi KA, Juhász G. Intracerebroventricularly administered lipopolysaccharide enhances spike–wave discharges in freely moving WAG/Rij rats. Brain Res Bull 2011; 85:410-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2010] [Revised: 03/19/2011] [Accepted: 05/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
59
|
Russo E, Citraro R, Scicchitano F, De Fazio S, Perrota I, Di Paola ED, Constanti A, De Sarro G. Effects of early long-term treatment with antiepileptic drugs on development of seizures and depressive-like behavior in a rat genetic absence epilepsy model. Epilepsia 2011; 52:1341-50. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2011.03112.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
60
|
The prevention of behavioral consequences of idiopathic generalized epilepsy: Evidence from rodent models. Neurosci Lett 2011; 497:177-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
61
|
van Tuijl J, van Raak E, de Krom M, Lodder J, Aldenkamp A. Early treatment after stroke for the prevention of late epileptic seizures: A report on the problems performing a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind trial aimed at anti-epileptogenesis. Seizure 2011; 20:285-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2010.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2010] [Revised: 11/22/2010] [Accepted: 12/27/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
|
62
|
Citraro R, Scicchitano F, De Fazio S, Raggio R, Mainardi P, Perucca E, De Sarro G, Russo E. Preclinical activity profile of α-lactoalbumin, a whey protein rich in tryptophan, in rodent models of seizures and epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2011; 95:60-9. [PMID: 21458955 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2011.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2010] [Revised: 02/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the potential anticonvulsant activity of α-lactalbumin (ALAC), a whey protein rich in tryptophan (TRP) relative to other large neutral amino acids (LNAAs), in rodent models of seizures and epilepsy. METHODS The effects of ALAC administered per os were evaluated by standard protocols against audiogenic seizures in Genetic Epilepsy Prone Rats (GEPR-9 rats), maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizures in rats, pilocarpine-induced seizures in mice, spontaneous chronic seizures in mice exposed to pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE), and absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats. In some models, carbamazepine (CBZ) was included as an active control. Plasma TRP/LNAAs ratios were measured by GC-MS. RESULTS Single doses of ALAC up to 500 or 6000 mg/kg were devoid of anticonvulsant activity in all models tested. Conversely, 5- and 12-day treatment with ALAC (250-1000 mg/kg/day) in GEPR rats reduced dose-dependently seizure scores and prolonged latency to clonus onset, with full persistence of the effect for up to 12h. ALAC (125-500 mg/kg/day for 15 days) protected against seizures induced by 250 mg/kg pilocarpine, but was less effective against higher pilocarpine doses. Similarly to CBZ, ALAC (125-500 mg/kg/day for 15 days) was also effective against spontaneous seizures in the post-pilocarpine SE model. ALAC (up to 6000 mg/kg/day for 12 days) did not prevent MES-induced seizures, although it reduced the duration of tonic extension at doses between 250 and 1000 mg/kg/day. Absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats were not significantly affected by ALAC. Plasma TRP/LNAAS ratios increased 2- to 3-fold after dosing with ALAC (250 mg/kg/day) for 7 and 14 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS ALAC exerts significant protective activity against seizures in animal models, the effect being especially prominent against audiogenic seizures in GEPR-9 rats, seizures induced by low-dose pilocarpine in mice, and spontaneous seizures in mice exposed to pilocarpine-induced SE. This action is likely to be mediated by increased availability of TRP in the brain, with a consequent increase in 5-HT mediated transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Citraro
- Chair of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Via T. Campanella 115, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
63
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 17, Hannover, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
64
|
Fattore C, Boniver C, Capovilla G, Cerminara C, Citterio A, Coppola G, Costa P, Darra F, Vecchi M, Perucca E. A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of levetiracetam in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed absence epilepsy. Epilepsia 2011; 52:802-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2010.02976.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
65
|
Caracelli I, Ferreira FP, Vieira AS, Stefani HA, De Simone CA, Tiekink ERT. 1-Benzyl-2,5-dioxopyrrolidine-3,4-diyl diacetate. Acta Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online 2010; 66:o3044. [PMID: 21589357 PMCID: PMC3011662 DOI: 10.1107/s1600536810043187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Accepted: 10/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The pyrrolidine-2,5-dione ring in the title compound, C15H15NO6, is in a twisted conformation with the acetyl C atoms projecting to opposite sides of the ring. The acetyl groups lie to opposite sides of the five-membered ring. The benzene ring is roughly perpendicular to the heterocyclic ring, forming a dihedral angle of 76.57 (14)° with it. In the crystal, molecules are connected through a network of C—H⋯O and C—H⋯π interactions.
Collapse
|
66
|
Tokuda S, Sofue N, Ohno Y, Sasa M, Serikawa T. Inhibitory effects of levetiracetam on absence seizures in a novel absence-like epilepsy animal model, Groggy rat. Brain Res 2010; 1359:298-303. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.08.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Revised: 08/24/2010] [Accepted: 08/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|