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Sitnikova E. Behavioral and Cognitive Comorbidities in Genetic Rat Models of Absence Epilepsy (Focusing on GAERS and WAG/Rij Rats). Biomedicines 2024; 12:122. [PMID: 38255227 PMCID: PMC10812980 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Absence epilepsy is a non-convulsive type of epilepsy characterized by the sudden loss of awareness. It is associated with thalamo-cortical impairment, which may cause neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive problems. Rats with spontaneous absence-like seizures are widely used as in vivo genetic models for absence epilepsy; they display behavioral and cognitive problems similar to epilepsy in humans, such as genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) and Wistar Albino rats from Rijswijk (WAG/Rij). Depression- and anxiety-like behaviors were apparent in GAERS, but no anxiety and depression-like symptoms were found in WAG/Rij rats. Deficits in executive functions and memory impairment in WAG/Rij rats, i.e., cognitive comorbidities, were linked to the severity of epilepsy. Wistar rats can develop spontaneous seizures in adulthood, so caution is advised when using them as a control epileptic strain. This review discusses challenges in the field, such as putative high emotionality in genetically prone rats, sex differences in the expression of cognitive comorbidities, and predictors of cognitive problems or biomarkers of cognitive comorbidities in absence epilepsy, as well as the concept of "the cognitive thalamus". The current knowledge of behavioral and cognitive comorbidities in drug-naive rats with spontaneous absence epilepsy is beneficial for understanding the pathophysiology of absence epilepsy, and for finding new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Sitnikova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 5A Butlerova St., Moscow 117485, Russia
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Sitnikova E, Pupikina M, Rutskova E. Alpha2 Adrenergic Modulation of Spike-Wave Epilepsy: Experimental Study of Pro-Epileptic and Sedative Effects of Dexmedetomidine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119445. [PMID: 37298397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present report, we evaluated adrenergic mechanisms of generalized spike-wave epileptic discharges (SWDs), which are the encephalographic hallmarks of idiopathic generalized epilepsies. SWDs link to a hyper-synchronization in the thalamocortical neuronal activity. We unclosed some alpha2-adrenergic mechanisms of sedation and provocation of SWDs in rats with spontaneous spike-wave epilepsy (WAG/Rij and Wistar) and in control non-epileptic rats (NEW) of both sexes. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) was a highly selective alpha-2 agonist (0.003-0.049 mg/kg, i.p.). Injections of Dex did not elicit de novo SWDs in non-epileptic rats. Dex can be used to disclose the latent form of spike-wave epilepsy. Subjects with long-lasting SWDs at baseline were at high risk of absence status after activation of alpha2- adrenergic receptors. We create the concept of alpha1- and alpha2-ARs regulation of SWDs via modulation of thalamocortical network activity. Dex induced the specific abnormal state favorable for SWDs-"alpha2 wakefulness". Dex is regularly used in clinical practice. EEG examination in patients using low doses of Dex might help to diagnose the latent forms of absence epilepsy (or pathology of cortico-thalamo-cortical circuitry).
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Sitnikova
- Institute of the Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Butlerova Str., 5A, 117485 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Pupikina
- Institute of the Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Butlerova Str., 5A, 117485 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elizaveta Rutskova
- Institute of the Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Butlerova Str., 5A, 117485 Moscow, Russia
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Nabizadeh H, Mohammadi A, Dolatabadi R, Nojavan S, Vahabizad F. Sensitive determination of ethosuximide in human fluids by electromembrane extraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography ultraviolet spectroscopy. J CHIN CHEM SOC-TAIP 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jccs.202200423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Nabizadeh
- Department of Drug and Food Control, Faculty of Pharmacy Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Department of Drug and Food Control, Faculty of Pharmacy Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS) Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Roshanak Dolatabadi
- Food and Drug Administration Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education Tehran Iran
| | - Saeed Nojavan
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Pollutants Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin Tehran Iran
| | - Fahimeh Vahabizad
- Department of Neurology, Sina Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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4
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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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Effects of in utero exposure to valproate or levetiracetam on the seizures and newborn histopathology of genetic absence epilepsy rats. Neurosci Lett 2022; 776:136574. [PMID: 35271996 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136574] [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: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Valproate (VPA) and levetiracetam (LEV), the two broad spectrum antiseizure drugs with antiabsence effects were previously tested for their antiepileptogenic effects when administered in the early postnatal period and revealed possible modification of the epileptogenic process though the effect being not persistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of in utero exposure to these drugs on the absence epilepsy seizures of Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) rats on electroencephalogram (EEG) which are characterised by bilateral, symmetrical, and synchronized spike-and-wave discharges (SWDs). Considering LEV was proposed as a safer drug of choice in pregnancy, its effects on the newborn histopathology of GAERS was also investigated. Adult female GAERS were randomly grouped as VPA-(400 mg/kg/day), LEV- (100 mg/kg/day), and saline-treated. The drugs were injected into the animals intraperitoneally starting before pregnancy until parturition. The lungs, kidneys, and brains of the LEV-exposed newborns were evaluated histologically to be compared with unexposed naïve Wistar and GAERS newborns. Rest of the VPA-, LEV-, and saline-exposed offsprings were taken for EEG recordings on postnatal day 90. VPA or LEV did not show significant effect on mean cumulative duration and mean number of SWDs on EEG. The lungs of the LEV-exposed offsprings showed thickened alveolar epithelium in most regions, suggesting incomplete development of the alveoli. The renal examination revealed dilated Bowman's spaces in some renal corpuscles, which may be interpreted as a deleterious effect of LEV on the kidney. In addition, brain examination of LEV- and saline-exposed groups revealed irregularities in cortical thickness compared to Wistar control group. Lack of significant difference on SWD parameters may indicate that the mechanism responsible for the antiepileptogenic effects of VPA and LEV may not be operating in the prenatal period. The detrimental effect of LEV exposure observed in our study on the lungs and the kidneys of the newborns should be investigated by further studies with advanced molecular and biochemical techniques.
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N-acetylcysteine aggravates seizures while improving depressive-like and cognitive impairment comorbidities in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:2702-2714. [PMID: 35167014 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02720-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant with some demonstrated efficacy in a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. NAC has shown anticonvulsant effects in animal models. NAC effects on absence seizures are still not uncovered, and considering its clinical use as a mucolytic in patients with lung diseases, people with epilepsy are also likely to be exposed to the drug. Therefore, we aimed to study the effects of NAC on absence seizures in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy with neuropsychiatric comorbidities. The effects of NAC chronic treatment in WAG/Rij rats were evaluated on: absence seizures at 15 and 30 days by EEG recordings and animal behaviour at 30 days on neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Furthermore, the mechanism of action of NAC was evaluated by analysing brain expression levels of some possible key targets: the excitatory amino acid transporter 2, cystine-glutamate antiporter, metabotropic glutamate receptor 2, the mechanistic target of rapamycin and p70S6K as well as levels of total glutathione. Our results demonstrate that in WAG/Rij rats, NAC treatment significantly increased the number and duration of SWDs, aggravating absence epilepsy while ameliorating neuropsychiatric comorbidities. NAC treatment was linked to an increase in brain mGlu2 receptor expression with this being likely responsible for the observed absence seizure-promoting effects. In conclusion, while confirming the positive effects on animal behaviour induced by NAC also in epileptic animals, we report the aggravating effects of NAC on absence seizures which could have some serious consequences for epilepsy patients with the possible wider use of NAC in clinical therapeutics.
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Gruenbaum BF, Sandhu MRS, Bertasi RAO, Bertasi TGO, Schonwald A, Kurup A, Gruenbaum SE, Freedman IG, Funaro MC, Blumenfeld H, Sanacora G. Absence seizures and their relationship to depression and anxiety: Evidence for bidirectionality. Epilepsia 2021; 62:1041-1056. [PMID: 33751566 PMCID: PMC8443164 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Absence seizures (AS), presenting as short losses of consciousness with staring spells, are a common manifestation of childhood epilepsy that is associated with behavioral, emotional, and social impairments. It has also been suggested that patients with AS are more likely to suffer from mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes human and animal models that investigated mood disorders and AS. Of the 1019 scientific publications identified, 35 articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. We found that patients with AS had greater odds of developing depression and anxiety when compared to controls (odds ratio = 4.93, 95% confidence interval = 2.91-8.35, p < .01). The included studies further suggest a strong correlation between AS and depression and anxiety in the form of a bidirectional relationship. The current literature emphasizes that these conditions likely share underlying mechanisms, such as genetic predisposition, neurophysiology, and anatomical pathways. Further research will clarify this relationship and ensure more effective treatment for AS and mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin F Gruenbaum
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Mani Ratnesh S Sandhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Raphael A O Bertasi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Tais G O Bertasi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Antonia Schonwald
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Anirudh Kurup
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shaun E Gruenbaum
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Isaac G Freedman
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Melissa C Funaro
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hal Blumenfeld
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Gerard Sanacora
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Karson A, Utkan T, Şahin TD, Balcı F, Arkan S, Ateş N. Etanercept rescues cognitive deficits, depression-like symptoms, and spike-wave discharge incidence in WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 115:107532. [PMID: 33444990 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory cytokines have been shown to be associated with the development of seizures in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy. Importantly, WAG/Rij rats also exhibit cognitive deficits and depression-like behaviors. It is possible that pro-inflammatory cytokines mediate these comorbid conditions of absence epilepsy given their well-established effects on cognition and affective responses. The current study investigated the potential therapeutic effect of etanercept (tumor necrosis factor inhibitor) on cognitive impairment, depression-like behavior, and spike-wave discharges (SWDs) typically observed in the WAG/Rij rats. Eight-month-old male WAG/Rij rats and Wistar controls were tested in Morris water maze (MWM), passive avoidance (PA), forced swimming, sucrose preference, and locomotor activity tests, and electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were taken from a separate group of WAG/Rij rats after 8 weeks of etanercept or vehicle treatment. Consistent with earlier work, WAG/Rij rats exhibited cognitive deficits and depression-like behavior. From these, the cognitive deficits and despair-like behavior were rescued by etanercept administration, which also reduced the frequency of SWDs without affecting their duration. Our results support the hypothesis that pro-inflammatory cytokines mediate the absence seizures and comorbid symptoms of absence epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Karson
- Kocaeli University, School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Turkey.
| | - Tijen Utkan
- Kocaeli University, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Turkey.
| | | | - Fuat Balcı
- Koç University, Department of Psychology & Research Center for Translational Medicine, Turkey
| | - Sertan Arkan
- Kocaeli University, School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Turkey
| | - Nurbay Ateş
- Kocaeli University, School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Turkey
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Sitnikova E, Smirnov K. Active avoidance learning in WAG/Rij rats with genetic predisposition to absence epilepsy. Brain Res Bull 2020; 165:198-208. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Leo A, Nesci V, Tallarico M, Amodio N, Gallo Cantafio EM, De Sarro G, Constanti A, Russo E, Citraro R. IL-6 Receptor Blockade by Tocilizumab Has Anti-absence and Anti-epileptogenic Effects in the WAG/Rij Rat Model of Absence Epilepsy. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:2004-2014. [PMID: 32681356 PMCID: PMC7851197 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00893-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) both in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma is closely associated with convulsive epilepsy and symptom severity of depression. By comparison, at present, little is known about the role of this cytokine in childhood (non-convulsive) absence epilepsy. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential effects of acute and chronic treatment with tocilizumab (TCZ, 10 and 30 mg/kg/day), on absence seizures, their development, and related psychiatric comorbidity in WAG/Rij rats. It is known that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced changes in inflammatory processes increase absence epileptic activity. In order to study the central effects of TCZ, we investigated whether administration of this anti-IL-6R antibody could modulate the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or IL-6-evoked changes in absence epileptic activity in WAG/Rij rats. Our results demonstrate that TCZ, at both doses, significantly reduced the development of absence seizures in adult WAG/Rij rats at 6 months of age (1 month after treatment suspension) compared with untreated controls, thus showing disease-modifying effects. Decreased absence seizure development at 6 months of age was also accompanied by reduced comorbid depressive-like behavior, whereas no effects were observed on anxiety-related behavior. Acute treatment with TCZ, at 30 mg/kg, had anti-absence properties lasting ~25 h. The co-administration TCZ with i.c.v. LPS or IL-6 showed that TCZ inhibited the worsening of absence seizures induced by both proinflammatory agents in the WAG/Rij rats, supporting a central anti-inflammatory-like protective action. These results suggest the possible role of IL-6 and consequent neuroinflammation in the epileptogenic process underlying the development and maintenance of absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats. Accordingly, IL-6 signaling could be a promising pharmacological target in absence epilepsy and depressive-like comorbidity.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Epilepsy, Absence/drug therapy
- Epilepsy, Absence/genetics
- Epilepsy, Absence/metabolism
- Male
- Rats
- Rats, Transgenic
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Interleukin-6/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Interleukin-6/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Leo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Nesci
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Martina Tallarico
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Eugenia M Gallo Cantafio
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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Nesci V, Russo E, Arcidiacono B, Citraro R, Tallarico M, Constanti A, Brunetti A, De Sarro G, Leo A. Metabolic Alterations Predispose to Seizure Development in High-Fat Diet-Treated Mice: the Role of Metformin. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:4778-4789. [PMID: 32785826 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02062-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The link between epilepsy and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and/or metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been poorly investigated. Therefore, we tested whether a high-fat diet (HFD), inducing insulin-resistant diabetes and obesity in mice, would increase susceptibility to develop generalized seizures induced by pentylentetrazole (PTZ) kindling. Furthermore, molecular mechanisms linked to glucose brain transport and the effects of the T2DM antidiabetic drug metformin were also studied along with neuropsychiatric comorbidities. To this aim, two sets of experiments were performed in CD1 mice, in which we firstly evaluated the HFD effects on some metabolic and behavioral parameters in order to have a baseline reference for kindling experiments assessed in the second section of our protocol. We detected that HFD predisposes towards seizure development in the PTZ-kindling model and this was linked to a reduction in glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) expression as observed in GLUT-1 deficiency syndrome in humans but accompanied by a compensatory increase in expression of GLUT-3. While we confirmed that HFD induced neuropsychiatric alterations in the treated mice, it did not change the development of kindling comorbidities. Furthermore, we propose that the beneficial effects of metformin we observed towards seizure development are related to a normalization of both GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 expression levels. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that an altered glycometabolic profile could play a pro-epileptic role in human patients. We therefore recommend that MetS or T2DM should be constantly monitored and possibly avoided in patients with epilepsy, since they could further aggravate this latter condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Nesci
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa e Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa e Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy. .,C.I.S.-Interdepartmental Services Centre of Veterinary for Human and Animal Health, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Biagio Arcidiacono
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa e Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa e Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Martina Tallarico
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa e Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrew Constanti
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London, UK
| | - Antonio Brunetti
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa e Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa e Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Leo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa e Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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12
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van Luijtelaar G, van Oijen G. Establishing Drug Effects on Electrocorticographic Activity in a Genetic Absence Epilepsy Model: Advances and Pitfalls. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:395. [PMID: 32351383 PMCID: PMC7175742 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic rat models such as rats of the WAG/Rij strain and GAERS were developed as models for generalized genetic epilepsy and in particular for childhood absence epilepsy. These animal models were described in the eighties of the previous century and both models have, among others, face, construct and predictive validity. Both models were and are currently used as models to predict the action of antiepileptic medication and other experimental treatments, to elucidate neurobiological mechanisms of spike-wave discharges and epileptogenesis. Although the electroencephalagram (EEG)/electrocorticogram (ECoG) is imperative for establishing absence seizures and to quantify the for absence epilepsy typical spike-wave discharges, monitoring the animals behavior is equally necessary. Here an overview is given regarding the design of drug evaluation studies, which animals to use, classical and new EEG variables, the monitoring and quantification of the behavior of the rats, some pitfalls regarding the interpretation of the data, and some developments in EEG technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerard van Oijen
- Donders Centre for Cognition, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Cassano V, Leo A, Tallarico M, Nesci V, Cimellaro A, Fiorentino TV, Citraro R, Hribal ML, De Sarro G, Perticone F, Sesti G, Russo E, Sciacqua A. Metabolic and Cognitive Effects of Ranolazine in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Data from an in vivo Model. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12020382. [PMID: 32023991 PMCID: PMC7071286 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a risk factor for cognitive impairment. Ranolazine, an anti-ischemic drug used in the treatment of angina pectoris, has been shown to possess hypoglycemic properties in pre-clinical and clinical studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ranolazine on glucose metabolism and cognitive function in a T2DM model of Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced by a high fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ). The control group received a normal caloric diet (NCD) and sodium citrate buffer. Metformin, an effective hypoglycemic drug, was employed as a positive control. Animals were divided into the following groups: HFD/STZ + Ranolazine, HFD/STZ + Metformin, HFD/STZ + Vehicle, NCD + Vehicle, NCD + Ranolazine, and NCD + Metformin. Rats received ranolazine (20 mg/kg), metformin (300 mg/kg), or water, for 8 weeks. At the end of the treatments, all animals underwent to an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) and behavioral tests, including passive avoidance, novel object recognition, forced swimming, and elevate plus maze tests. Interleukin-6 plasma levels in the six treatment groups were assessed by Elisa assay. Body mass composition was estimated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Glucose responsiveness significantly improved in the HFD/STZ + Ranolazine (p < 0.0001) and HFD/STZ + Metformin (p = 0.003) groups. There was a moderate effect on blood glucose levels in the NCD + Ranolazine and NCD + Metformin groups. Lean body mass was significantly increased in the HFD/STZ + Ranolazine and HFD/STZ + Metformin animals, compared to HFD/STZ + Vehicle animals. Ranolazine improved learning and long-term memory in HFD/STZ + Ranolazine compared to HFD/STZ + Vehicle (p < 0.001) and ameliorated the pro-inflammatory profile of diabetic mice. These results support the hypothesis of a protective effect of ranolazine against cognitive decline caused by T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velia Cassano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Leo
- Science of Health Department, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy (V.N.)
| | - Martina Tallarico
- Science of Health Department, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy (V.N.)
| | - Valentina Nesci
- Science of Health Department, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy (V.N.)
| | - Antonio Cimellaro
- Pugliese-Ciaccio, Hospital, Internal Medicine Unit, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy (V.N.)
| | - Marta Letizia Hribal
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0961-364-7411
| | | | - Francesco Perticone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giorgio Sesti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome-Sapienza, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy (V.N.)
| | - Angela Sciacqua
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Leo A, Citraro R, Tallarico M, Iannone M, Fedosova E, Nesci V, De Sarro G, Sarkisova K, Russo E. Cognitive impairment in the WAG/Rij rat absence model is secondary to absence seizures and depressive-like behavior. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 94:109652. [PMID: 31095993 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric comorbidities are common in patients with epilepsy, remaining still an urgent unmet clinical need. Therefore, the management of epileptic disorders should not only be restricted to the achievement of seizure-freedom but must also be able to counteract its related comorbidities. Experimental animal models of epilepsy represent a valid tool not only to study epilepsy but also its associated comorbidities. The WAG/Rij rat is a well-established genetically-based model of absence epilepsy with depressive-like comorbidity, in which learning and memory impairment was also recently reported. Aim of this study was to clarify whether this cognitive decline is secondary or not to absence seizures and/or depressive-like behavior. The behavioral performance of untreated and ethosuximide-treated (300 mg/kg/day; 17 days) WAG/Rij rats at 6 and 12 months of age were assessed in several tests: forced swimming test, objects recognition test, social recognition test, Morris water maze and passive avoidance. According to our results, it seems that cognitive impairment in this strain, similarly to depressive-like behavior, is secondary to the occurrence of absence seizures, which might be necessary for the expression of cognitive impairment. Furthermore, our results suggest an age-dependent impairment of cognitive performance in WAG/Rij rats, which could be linked to the age-dependent increase of spike wave discharges. Consistently, it is possible that absence seizures, depressive-like behavior and cognitive deficit may arise independently and separately in lifetime from the same underlying network disease, as previously suggested for the behavioral features associated with other epileptic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Leo
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Dept., Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Dept., Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Martina Tallarico
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Dept., Catanzaro, Italy; CNR, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Pharmacology Section, Roccelletta di Borgia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Iannone
- CNR, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Pharmacology Section, Roccelletta di Borgia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ekaterina Fedosova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valentina Nesci
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Dept., Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Karine Sarkisova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Emilio Russo
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Dept., Catanzaro, Italy
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