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Morales JF, Chuguransky S, Alberca LN, Alice JI, Goicoechea S, Ruiz ME, Bellera CL, Talevi A. Positive Predictive Value Surfaces as a Complementary Tool to Assess the Performance of Virtual Screening Methods. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 20:1447-1460. [PMID: 32072906 DOI: 10.2174/1871525718666200219130229] [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: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since their introduction in the virtual screening field, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve-derived metrics have been widely used for benchmarking of computational methods and algorithms intended for virtual screening applications. Whereas in classification problems, the ratio between sensitivity and specificity for a given score value is very informative, a practical concern in virtual screening campaigns is to predict the actual probability that a predicted hit will prove truly active when submitted to experimental testing (in other words, the Positive Predictive Value - PPV). Estimation of such probability is however, obstructed due to its dependency on the yield of actives of the screened library, which cannot be known a priori. OBJECTIVE To explore the use of PPV surfaces derived from simulated ranking experiments (retrospective virtual screening) as a complementary tool to ROC curves, for both benchmarking and optimization of score cutoff values. METHODS The utility of the proposed approach is assessed in retrospective virtual screening experiments with four datasets used to infer QSAR classifiers: inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi trypanothione synthetase; inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei N-myristoyltransferase; inhibitors of GABA transaminase and anticonvulsant activity in the 6 Hz seizure model. RESULTS Besides illustrating the utility of PPV surfaces to compare the performance of machine learning models for virtual screening applications and to select an adequate score threshold, our results also suggest that ensemble learning provides models with better predictivity and more robust behavior. CONCLUSION PPV surfaces are valuable tools to assess virtual screening tools and choose score thresholds to be applied in prospective in silico screens. Ensemble learning approaches seem to consistently lead to improved predictivity and robustness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Morales
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP) - 47 & 115, La Plata (1900), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sara Chuguransky
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP) - 47 & 115, La Plata (1900), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas N Alberca
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP) - 47 & 115, La Plata (1900), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan I Alice
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP) - 47 & 115, La Plata (1900), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sofía Goicoechea
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP) - 47 & 115, La Plata (1900), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María E Ruiz
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP) - 47 & 115, La Plata (1900), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina L Bellera
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP) - 47 & 115, La Plata (1900), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alan Talevi
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP) - 47 & 115, La Plata (1900), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Zhu H, Dronamraju V, Xie W, More SS. Sulfur-containing therapeutics in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Med Chem Res 2021; 30:305-352. [PMID: 33613018 PMCID: PMC7889054 DOI: 10.1007/s00044-020-02687-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur is widely existent in natural products and synthetic organic compounds as organosulfur, which are often associated with a multitude of biological activities. OBenzothiazole, in which benzene ring is fused to the 4,5-positions of the thiazolerganosulfur compounds continue to garner increasing amounts of attention in the field of medicinal chemistry, especially in the development of therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a fatal neurodegenerative disease and the primary cause of age-related dementia posing severe societal and economic burdens. Unfortunately, there is no cure for AD. A lot of research has been conducted on sulfur-containing compounds in the context of AD due to their innate antioxidant potential and some are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. In this review, we have described emerging trends in the field, particularly the concept of multi-targeting and formulation of disease-modifying strategies. SAR, pharmacological targets, in vitro/vivo ADMET, efficacy in AD animal models, and applications in clinical trials of such sulfur compounds have also been discussed. This article provides a comprehensive review of organosulfur-based AD therapeutic agents and provides insights into their future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizhou Zhu
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Venkateshwara Dronamraju
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Wei Xie
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Swati S. More
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Walters D, Vogel KR, Brown M, Shi X, Roullet JB, Gibson KM. Transcriptome analysis in mice treated with vigabatrin identifies dysregulation of genes associated with retinal signaling circuitry. Epilepsy Res 2020; 166:106395. [PMID: 32679486 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Vigabatrin (VGB; γ-vinyl-GABA) is an antiepileptic drug that elevates CNS GABA via irreversible inactivation of the GABA catabolic enzyme GABA-transaminase. VGB's clinical utility, however, can be curtailed by peripheral visual field constriction (pVFC) and thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). Earlier studies from our laboratory revealed disruptions of autophagy by VGB. Here, we tested the hypothesis that VGB administration to animals would reveal alterations of gene expression in VGB-treated retina that associated with autophagy. VGB (140 mg/kg/d; subcutaneous minipump) was continuously administered to mice (n = 6 each VGB/vehicle) for 12 days, after which animals were euthanized. Retina was isolated for transcriptome (RNAseq) analysis and further validation using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). For 112 differentially expressed retinal genes (RNAseq), two databases (Gene Ontology; Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) were used to identify genes associated with visual function. Twenty four genes were subjected to qRT-PCR validation, and five (Gb5, Bdnf, Cplx9, Crh, Sox9) revealed significant dysregulation. IHC of fixed retinas verified significant down-regulation of Gb5 in photoreceptor cells. All of these genes have been previously shown to play a role in retinal function/circuitry signaling. Minimal impact of VGB on retinal autophagic gene expression was observed. This is the first transcriptome analysis of retinal gene expression associated with VGB intake, highlighting potential novel molecular targets potentially related to VGB's well known ocular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Walters
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA.
| | - Kara R Vogel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
| | - Madalyn Brown
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA.
| | - Xutong Shi
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA.
| | - Jean-Baptiste Roullet
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA.
| | - K Michael Gibson
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA.
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Jakaria M, Azam S, Haque ME, Jo SH, Uddin MS, Kim IS, Choi DK. Taurine and its analogs in neurological disorders: Focus on therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms. Redox Biol 2019; 24:101223. [PMID: 31141786 PMCID: PMC6536745 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid and known as semi-essential in mammals and is produced chiefly by the liver and kidney. It presents in different organs, including retina, brain, heart and placenta and demonstrates extensive physiological activities within the body. In the several disease models, it attenuates inflammation- and oxidative stress-mediated injuries. Taurine also modulates ER stress, Ca2+ homeostasis and neuronal activity at the molecular level as part of its broader roles. Different cellular processes such as energy metabolism, gene expression, osmosis and quality control of protein are regulated by taurine. In addition, taurine displays potential ameliorating effects against different neurological disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, epilepsy and diabetic neuropathy and protects against injuries and toxicities of the nervous system. Several findings demonstrate its therapeutic role against neurodevelopmental disorders, including Angelman syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, sleep-wake disorders, neural tube defects and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Considering current biopharmaceutical limitations, developing novel delivery approaches and new derivatives and precursors of taurine may be an attractive option for treating neurological disorders. Herein, we present an overview on the therapeutic potential of taurine against neurological disorders and highlight clinical studies and its molecular mechanistic roles. This article also addresses the neuropharmacological potential of taurine analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Jakaria
- Department of Applied Life Sciences and Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea
| | - Shofiul Azam
- Department of Applied Life Sciences and Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea
| | - Md Ezazul Haque
- Department of Applied Life Sciences and Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea
| | - Song-Hee Jo
- Department of Applied Life Sciences and Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea
| | - Md Sahab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - In-Su Kim
- Department of Applied Life Sciences and Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea; Department of Integrated Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, and Research Institute of Inflammatory Diseases (RID), Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea
| | - Dong-Kug Choi
- Department of Applied Life Sciences and Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea; Department of Integrated Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, and Research Institute of Inflammatory Diseases (RID), Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea.
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Jiang Y, Tang XY, Shi M. A Rh-catalyzed 1,2-sulfur migration/aza-Diels–Alder cascade initiated by aza-vinyl carbenoids from sulfur-tethered N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles. Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 51:2122-5. [DOI: 10.1039/c4cc08829h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A novel Rh(ii) catalyzed intramolecular 1,2-sulfur migration/intermolecular aza-Diels–Alder cascade of sulfur-tethered N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles has been developed, efficiently affording sulfur-containing tetrahydropyridine derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai
- China
| | - Xiang-Ying Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Organometallic Chemistry
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Shanghai 200032
- China
| | - Min Shi
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai
- China
- State Key Laboratory of Organometallic Chemistry
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Advances in drug design based on the amino Acid approach: taurine analogues for the treatment of CNS diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2012; 5:1128-46. [PMID: 24281261 PMCID: PMC3816653 DOI: 10.3390/ph5101128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acids are well known to be an important class of compounds for the maintenance of body homeostasis and their deficit, even for the polar neuroactive aminoacids, can be controlled by supplementation. However, for the amino acid taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) this is not true. Due its special physicochemical properties, taurine is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier. In addition of injured taurine transport systems under pathological conditions, CNS supplementation of taurine is almost null. Taurine is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory semi-essential amino acid extensively involved in neurological activities, acting as neurotrophic factor, binding to GABA A/glycine receptors and blocking the excitotoxicity glutamate-induced pathway leading to be a neuroprotective effect and neuromodulation. Taurine deficits have been implicated in several CNS diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and in the damage of retinal neurons. This review describes the CNS physiological functions of taurine and the development of new derivatives based on its structure useful in CNS disease treatment.
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γ-Amino butyric acid analogs as novel potent GABA-AT inhibitors: molecular docking, synthesis, and biological evaluation. Med Chem Res 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-012-0023-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Ricci L, Valoti M, Sgaragli G, Frosini M. Taurine-like GABA aminotransferase inhibitors prevent rabbit brain slices against oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced damage. Amino Acids 2011; 42:2139-47. [PMID: 21667265 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-011-0952-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The activation of the GABAergic system has been shown to protect brain tissues against the damage that occurs after cerebral ischaemia. On the other hand, the taurine analogues (±)Piperidine-3-sulphonic- (PSA), 2-aminoethane phosphonic- (AEP), 2-(N-acetylamino) cyclohexane sulfonic-acids (ATAHS) and 2-aminobenzene sulfonate-acids (ANSA) have been reported to block GABA metabolism by inhibiting rabbit brain GABA aminotransferase and to increase GABA content in rabbit brain slices. The present investigation explored the neuroprotection provided by GABA, Vigabatrin (VIGA) and taurine analogues in the course of oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion induced damage of rabbit brain slices. Tissue damage was assessed by measuring the release of glutamate and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) during reperfusion and by determining final tissue water gain, measured as the index of cell swelling. GABA (30-300 μM) and VIGA (30-300 μM) significantly antagonised LDH and glutamate release, as well as tissue water gain caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion. Lower (1-10 μM) or higher concentrations (up to 3,000 μM) were ineffective. ANSA, PSA and ATAHS significantly reduced glutamate and LDH release and tissue water gain in a range of concentrations between 30 and 300 μM. Lower (0-10 μM) or higher (up to 3,000 μM) concentrations were ineffective. Both mechanisms suggest hormetic ("U-shaped") effects. These results indicate that the GABAergic system activation performed directly by GABA or indirectly through GABA aminotransferase inhibition is a promising approach for protecting the brain against ischemia and reperfusion-induced damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Ricci
- Department of Neurosciences, Pharmacology Unit, University of Siena, Viale A. Moro 2 lotto C, 53100, Siena, Italy
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Mishra N, Oraon A, Dev A, Jayaprakash V, Basu A, Pattnaik AK, Tripapthi SN, Akhtar M, Ahmad S, Swaroop S, Basu M. Anticonvulsant activity of Benkara malabarica (Linn.) root extract: In vitro and in vivo investigation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2010; 128:533-536. [PMID: 20109543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2009] [Revised: 01/07/2010] [Accepted: 01/19/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY To systematically investigate the anticonvulsant activity of methanol extract of Benkara malabarica roots and to provide a biochemical basis elucidating its mode of action. METHODS The median lethal dose (LD(50)) of Benkara malabarica extract was determined. The anticonvulsant activity of the extract was assessed in strychnine-induced and isoniazide-induced convulsion models; phenytoin (20mg/kg) and diazepam (1mg/kg) were used as standards, respectively. Percentage protection provided by the drug was accounted as decrease in the number of convulsions within 8h of observation. Mechanism of action was studied by performing GABA transaminase (GABA-T) assay, isolated from rat brain. Active constituent was isolated and characterized from the plant extract. RESULTS The median lethal dose (LD50) of Benkara malabarica was found to be more than 500 mg/kg. It demonstrated 30% and 35% protection against strychnine-induced convulsions and 60% and 80% protection against isoniazide-induced convulsions, at doses of 25mg/kg and 50mg/kg, respectively. Enzyme assay results revealed that Benkara malabarica extract possesses GABA-T inhibitory activity (IC50=0.721 mg/ml). Scopoletin which was identified as the major constituent of the extract was found to be an inhibitor of GABA-T (IC50=10.57 microM). CONCLUSIONS The anticonvulsant activity of the plant extract is predominantly GABA mediated and may be due to the action of scopoletin alone or is a result of synergy of different compounds in the extract in which scopoletin is the major constituent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nibha Mishra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra 835215, Ranchi, India.
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Della Torre C, Corsi I, Arukwe A, Valoti M, Focardi S. Interactions of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) with xenobiotic biotransformation system in European eel Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2008; 71:798-805. [PMID: 18407354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2008.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2007] [Revised: 02/29/2008] [Accepted: 03/01/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) with liver biotransformation enzymes in European eel Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758). Eels were exposed to 0.5, 1 and 2.5mg/l nominal concentrations of TNT for 6 and 24h. Modulation of CYP1A1, UDPGT and GST genes was investigated by real-time PCR. Total CYP450 content, NADPH cytochrome c reductase activity, CYP1A and CYP2B-like activities, such as EROD, MROD and BROD, as well as GST and UDPGT activities, were measured by biochemical assays. An in vitro study was performed on EROD in order to evaluate catalytic modulation by TNT. No modulation of the CYP1A1 gene or protein was observed in TNT-exposed eels. On the other hand, a significant decline of EROD and MROD activities was observed in vivo. An increase in NADPH cyt c reductase, and phase II enzymes (UDPGT and GST) were observed at both gene expression and activity levels. The overall results indicated that TNT is a potential competitive inhibitor of CYP1A activities. A TNT metabolic pathway involving NADPH cyt c reductase and phase II enzymes is also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Della Torre
- Department of Environmental Sciences G. Sarfatti, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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Iyadurai SJP, Chung SS. New-onset seizures in adults: possible association with consumption of popular energy drinks. Epilepsy Behav 2007; 10:504-8. [PMID: 17349826 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2007.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2006] [Revised: 01/25/2007] [Accepted: 01/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Energy drinks contain a mixture of compounds, of which caffeine, guarana, and herbal supplements such as ginkgo and ginseng are major components. Survey of popular literature reveals anecdotal observations of adverse events associated with consumption of energy drinks. However, there are no reported cases in the published literature. We report a series of four patients who had discrete seizures on multiple occasions, following heavy consumption of energy drinks. Once the patients were abstinent from the energy drinks, no recurrent seizures were reported. We propose that the large consumption of energy drinks rich in caffeine, taurine, and guarana seed extract could have provoked these seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Jones P Iyadurai
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 58013, USA.
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