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Balikci A, Eryilmaz U, Guler VK, Ilbay G. Tactile stimulation of young WAG/Rij rats prevents development of depression but not absence epilepsy. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1433431. [PMID: 38993266 PMCID: PMC11236540 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1433431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Investigations in Wistar Albino Glaxo from Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rats that are susceptible to genetic absence epilepsy have demonstrated that environmental modifications affect absence seizures. Previously, we showed that neonatal tactile stimulations produce disease-modifying effect on genetically determined absence epilepsy and associated depression in Wag/Rij rats. The study presented here examined the effect of TS during late ontogenesis (adolescence and young adulthood) on epilepsy and depression outcomes in this genetically epileptic rat strain. On postnatal day (PND) 38, male WAG/Rij rats randomly were assigned to either the tactile stimulation (TS), handled or control group (unhandled) with 8 animals in each group. Following a 7-day adaptation period to their new surroundings, the animals were submitted to tactile stimulation from PND 45 to PND 90, five days per week, for 5 min daily. The tactile-stimulated rat was removed from its cage, placed on the experimenter's lap, and had its neck and back gently stroked by the researcher. The handled rats were taken to another cage and left alone for 5 min daily from PND 45 to PND 90. The control rats were left undisturbed in their home cage, except for regular cage cleaning. After PND 90, all rats were left undisturbed until behavioral testing and EEG recording. When the animals were 7 months old, they were subjected to the sucrose consumption test (SCT) and the forced swimming test (FST). Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were made at 8 months of age in order to measure electroencephalographic seizure activity, thus, the spike-wave discharges (SWDs). Tactile-stimulated rats showed increased sucrose consumption and number of approaches to the sucrose solution in the SCT when compared with the handled and control rats. In the FST, rats in TS group showed lower immobility time and greater immobility latency, active swimming time and diving frequency than the handled and control rats. The duration and the number of seizures were not different amongst the groups. The data obtained suggest that TS in young rats is able to prevent depression in WAG/Rij rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymen Balikci
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, İzmit, Türkiye
| | - Ugur Eryilmaz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, İzmit, Türkiye
| | - Vildan Keles Guler
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, İzmit, Türkiye
| | - Gul Ilbay
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, İzmit, Türkiye
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2
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Mamad O, Heiland M, Lindner AU, Hill TDM, Ronroy RM, Rentrup K, Sanz-Rodriguez A, Langa E, Heller JP, Moreno O, Llop J, Bhattacharya A, Palmer JA, Ceusters M, Engel T, Henshall DC. Anti-seizure effects of JNJ-54175446 in the intra-amygdala kainic acid model of drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy in mice. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1308478. [PMID: 38259288 PMCID: PMC10800975 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1308478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
There remains a need for new drug targets for treatment-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. The ATP-gated P2X7 receptor coordinates neuroinflammatory responses to tissue injury. Previous studies in mice reported that the P2X7 receptor antagonist JNJ-47965567 suppressed spontaneous seizures in the intraamygdala kainic acid model of epilepsy and reduced attendant gliosis in the hippocampus. The drug-resistance profile of this model is not fully characterised, however, and newer P2X7 receptor antagonists with superior pharmacokinetic profiles have recently entered clinical trials. Using telemetry-based continuous EEG recordings in mice, we demonstrate that spontaneous recurrent seizures in the intraamygdala kainic acid model are refractory to the common anti-seizure medicine levetiracetam. In contrast, once-daily dosing of JNJ-54175446 (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) resulted in a significant reduction in spontaneous recurrent seizures which lasted several days after the end of drug administration. Using a combination of immunohistochemistry and ex vivo radiotracer assay, we find that JNJ-54175446-treated mice at the end of recordings display a reduction in astrogliosis and altered microglia process morphology within the ipsilateral CA3 subfield of the hippocampus, but no difference in P2X7 receptor surface expression. The present study extends the characterisation of the drug-resistance profile of the intraamygdala kainic acid model in mice and provides further evidence that targeting the P2X7 receptor may have therapeutic applications in the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Mamad
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mona Heiland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andreas U. Lindner
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas D. M. Hill
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ronan M. Ronroy
- Division of Population Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kilian Rentrup
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amaya Sanz-Rodriguez
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elena Langa
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Janosch P. Heller
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Oscar Moreno
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Jordi Llop
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Anindya Bhattacharya
- Neuroscience, Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - James A. Palmer
- Neuroscience, Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Marc Ceusters
- Neuroscience, Janssen Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Tobias Engel
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David C. Henshall
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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3
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Brigo F, Zelano J, Abraira L, Bentes C, Ekdahl CT, Lattanzi S, Ingvar Lossius M, Redfors P, Rouhl RPW, Russo E, Sander JW, Vogrig A, Wickström R. Proceedings of the "International Congress on Structural Epilepsy & Symptomatic Seizures" (STESS, Gothenburg, Sweden, 29-31 March 2023). Epilepsy Behav 2024; 150:109538. [PMID: 38039602 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Brigo
- Innovation, Research and Teaching Service (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU), Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Johan Zelano
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sweden; Wallenberg Center of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Gothenburg University, Sweden
| | - Laura Abraira
- Neurology Department, Epilepsy Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Epilepsy Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Bentes
- Neurophysiological Monitoring Unit - EEG/Sleep Laboratory, Refractory Epilepsy Reference Centre (member of EpiCARE), Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal; Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Christine T Ekdahl
- Division of Clinical Neurophysiology and Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sweden; Lund Epilepsy Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Morten Ingvar Lossius
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petra Redfors
- Department of Neurology, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rob P W Rouhl
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Academic Centre for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe/MUMC+ Heeze and Maastricht, The Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, University Magna Grecia of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Josemir W Sander
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK; Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks., SL9 0RJ, United Kingdom; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede 2103 SW, The Netherlands; Neurology Department, West of China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Alberto Vogrig
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy; Clinical Neurology, Department of Head-Neck and Neuroscience, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASU FC), Udine, Italy
| | - Ronny Wickström
- Neuropediatric Unit, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Hou S, Fan D, Wang Q. Regulating absence seizures by tri-phase delay stimulation applied to globus pallidus internal. APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND MECHANICS 2022; 43:1399-1414. [PMID: 36092985 PMCID: PMC9438882 DOI: 10.1007/s10483-022-2896-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, a reduced globus pallidus internal (GPI)-corticothalamic (GCT) model is developed, and a tri-phase delay stimulation (TPDS) with sequentially applying three pulses on the GPI representing the inputs from the striatal D 1 neurons, subthalamic nucleus (STN), and globus pallidus external (GPE), respectively, is proposed. The GPI is evidenced to control absence seizures characterized by 2 Hz-4 Hz spike and wave discharge (SWD). Hence, based on the basal ganglia-thalamocortical (BGCT) model, we firstly explore the triple effects of D l-GPI, GPE-GPI, and STN-GPI pathways on seizure patterns. Then, using the GCT model, we apply the TPDS on the GPI to potentially investigate the alternative and improved approach if these pathways to the GPI are blocked. The results show that the striatum D 1, GPE, and STN can indeed jointly and significantly affect seizure patterns. In particular, the TPDS can effectively reproduce the seizure pattern if the D 1-GPI, GPE-GPI, and STN-GPI pathways are cut off. In addition, the seizure abatement can be obtained by well tuning the TPDS stimulation parameters. This implies that the TPDS can play the surrogate role similar to the modulation of basal ganglia, which hopefully can be helpful for the development of the brain-computer interface in the clinical application of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songan Hou
- Department of Dynamics and Control, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Denggui Fan
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083 China
| | - Qingyun Wang
- Department of Dynamics and Control, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
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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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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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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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DEMİRTAŞ ŞAHİN T, UTKAN T, KARSON A, YAZIR Y, KARAOZ E. Genetik absans epilepsili WAG/Rij sıçanlarda kardiyovasküler değişiklikler: Kronik etosüksimid tedavisinin etkileri. CUKUROVA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.17826/cumj.724491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Feng Y, Yang H, Yue Y, Tian F. MicroRNAs and target genes in epileptogenesis. Epilepsia 2020; 61:2086-2096. [PMID: 32944964 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16687] [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: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic brain dysfunction. Current antiepileptic medicines cannot prevent epileptogenesis. Increasing data have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are selectively altered within the epileptic hippocampi of experimental models and human tissues, and these alterations affect the genes that control epileptogenesis. Furthermore, manipulation of miRNAs in animal models can modify epileptogenesis. As a result, miRNAs have been proposed as promising targets for treating epilepsy. We searched PubMed using the terms "microRNAs/miRNAs AND epilepsy", "microRNAs/miRNAs AND epileptogenesis", and "microRNAs/miRNAs AND seizure". We selected the articles in which the relationship between miRNAs and target gene(s) was validated and manipulation of miRNAs in in vivo epilepsy models modified epileptogenesis during the chronic phase via gene regulation. A total of 13 miRNAs were found in the present review. Based on the current analysis of miRNAs and their target gene(s), each miRNA has limitations as a potential epilepsy target. Importantly, miR-211 or miR-128 transgenic mice displayed seizures. These findings highlight new developments for epileptogenesis prevention. Developing novel strategies to modify epileptogenesis will be effective in curing epilepsy patients. This article provides an overview of the clinical application of miRNAs as novel targets for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haojun Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yinyan Yue
- Department of Pediatrics, First Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fafa Tian
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Feng Y, Duan C, Luo Z, Xiao W, Tian F. Silencing miR-20a-5p inhibits axonal growth and neuronal branching and prevents epileptogenesis through RGMa-RhoA-mediated synaptic plasticity. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:10573-10588. [PMID: 32779334 PMCID: PMC7521253 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epileptogenesis is a potential process. Mossy fibre sprouting (MFS) and synaptic plasticity promote epileptogenesis. Overexpression of repulsive guidance molecule a (RGMa) prevents epileptogenesis by inhibiting MFS. However, other aspects underlying the RGMa regulatory process of epileptogenesis have not been elucidated. We studied whether RGMa could be modulated by microRNAs and regulated RhoA in epileptogenesis. Using microRNA databases, we selected four miRNAs as potential candidates. We further experimentally confirmed miR‐20a‐5p as a RGMa upstream regulator. Then, in vitro, by manipulating miR‐20a‐5p and RGMa, we investigated the regulatory relationship between miR‐20a‐5p, RGMa and RhoA, and the effects of this pathway on neuronal morphology. Finally, in the epilepsy animal model, we determined whether the miR‐20a‐5p‐RGMa‐RhoA pathway influenced MFS and synaptic plasticity and then modified epileptogenesis. Our results showed that miR‐20a‐5p regulated RGMa and that RGMa regulated RhoA in vitro. Furthermore, in primary hippocampal neurons, the miR‐20a‐5p‐RGMa‐RhoA pathway regulated axonal growth and neuronal branching; in the PTZ‐induced epilepsy model, silencing miR‐20a‐5p prevented epileptogenesis through RGMa‐RhoA‐mediated synaptic plasticity but did not change MFS. Overall, we concluded that silencing miR‐20a‐5p inhibits axonal growth and neuronal branching and prevents epileptogenesis through RGMa‐RhoA‐mediated synaptic plasticity in the PTZ‐induced epilepsy model, thereby providing a possible strategy to prevent epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaojun Duan
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhaohui Luo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenbiao Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fafa Tian
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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11
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Leo A, Caro CD, Nesci V, Palma E, Tallarico M, Iannone M, Constanti A, Sarro GD, Russo E, Citraro R. Antiepileptogenic effects of Ethosuximide and Levetiracetam in WAG/Rij rats are only temporary. Pharmacol Rep 2019; 71:833-838. [PMID: 31386986 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND WAG/Rij rats represent a validated genetic animal model of epileptogenesis, absence epilepsy and depressive-like comorbidity. Some treatments (e.g. ethosuximide), using specific protocols, prevent the development of spontaneous absence seizures. Accordingly, ethosuximide increases remission occurrence in children with childhood absence epilepsy in comparison to valproic acid. Considering that in this animal model, antiepileptogenic effects are, in some cases, not retained over time, we studied whether the antiepileptogenic effects of both ethosuximide and levetiracetam (which also possesses antiepileptogenic effects in this and other animal epilepsy models) would be retained 5 months after drug suspension. METHODS WAG/Rij rats of ˜1 month of age were treated long-term with one of the two drugs at a dose of ˜80 mg/kg/day for 17 consecutive weeks; 1 and 5 months after drug suspension, the development of absence seizures as well as depressive-like behaviour were assessed by EEG recordings and the forced swimming test (FST). RESULTS In agreement with a previous report, both drugs continued to show antiepileptogenic effects 1 month after their discontinuation. Furthermore, ethosuximide improved depressive-like behaviour, whereas in contrast, levetiracetam worsened this symptom. However, none of the drugs maintained their antiepileptogenic effects 5 months after suspension, and in addition, animal behaviour in the FST returned to control conditions. CONCLUSION Overall, these results demonstrate that the antiepileptogenic effects of both ethosuximide and levetiracetam on absence seizure development and associated depressive-like behaviour in this model are only temporary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Leo
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carmen De Caro
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Nesci
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ernesto Palma
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Martina Tallarico
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, 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
| | | | | | - Emilio Russo
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, Catanzaro, Italy.
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12
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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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13
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Yu Y, Nguyen DT, Jiang J. G protein-coupled receptors in acquired epilepsy: Druggability and translatability. Prog Neurobiol 2019; 183:101682. [PMID: 31454545 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2019.101682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As the largest family of membrane proteins in the human genome, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the targets of more than one-third of all modern medicinal drugs. In the central nervous system (CNS), widely distributed GPCRs in neuronal and nonneuronal cells mediate numerous essential physiological functions via regulating neurotransmission at the synapses. Whereas their abnormalities in expression and activity are involved in various neuropathological processes. CNS conditions thus remain highly represented among the indications of GPCR-targeted agents. Mounting evidence from a large number of animal studies suggests that GPCRs play important roles in the regulation of neuronal excitability associated with epilepsy, a common CNS disease afflicting approximately 1-2% of the population. Surprisingly, none of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved (>30) antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) suppresses seizures through acting on GPCRs. This disparity raises concerns about the translatability of these preclinical findings and the druggability of GPCRs for seizure disorders. The currently available AEDs intervene seizures predominantly through targeting ion channels and have considerable limitations, as they often cause unbearable adverse effects, fail to control seizures in over 30% of patients, and merely provide symptomatic relief. Thus, identifying novel molecular targets for epilepsy is highly desired. Herein, we focus on recent progresses in understanding the comprehensive roles of several GPCR families in seizure generation and development of acquired epilepsy. We also dissect current hurdles hindering translational efforts in developing GPCRs as antiepileptic and/or antiepileptogenic targets and discuss the counteracting strategies that might lead to a potential cure for this debilitating CNS condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; Drug Discovery Center, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Davis T Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; Drug Discovery Center, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jianxiong Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; Drug Discovery Center, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; Neuroscience Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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14
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The effects of lamotrigine and ethosuximide on seizure frequency, neuronal loss, and astrogliosis in a model of temporal-lobe epilepsy. Brain Res 2019; 1712:1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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15
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Löscher W. The holy grail of epilepsy prevention: Preclinical approaches to antiepileptogenic treatments. Neuropharmacology 2019; 167:107605. [PMID: 30980836 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A variety of acute brain insults can induce epileptogenesis, a complex process that results in acquired epilepsy. Despite advances in understanding mechanisms of epileptogenesis, there is currently no approved treatment that prevents the development or progression of epilepsy in patients at risk. The current concept of epileptogenesis assumes a window of opportunity following acute brain insults that allows intervention with preventive treatment. Recent results suggest that injury-induced epileptogenesis can be a much more rapid process than previously thought, suggesting that the 'therapeutic window' may only be open for a brief period, as in stroke therapy. However, experimental data also suggest a second, possibly delayed process ("secondary epileptogenesis") that influences the progression and refractoriness of the epileptic state over time, allowing interfering with this process even after onset of epilepsy. In this review, both methodological issues in preclinical drug development and novel targets for antiepileptogenesis will be discussed. Several promising drugs that either prevent epilepsy (antiepileptogenesis) or slow epilepsy progression and alleviate cognitive or behavioral comorbidities of epilepsy (disease modification) have been described in recent years, using diverse animal models of acquired epilepsy. Promising agents include TrkB inhibitors, losartan, statins, isoflurane, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative drugs, the SV2A modulator levetiracetam, and epigenetic interventions. Research on translational target validity and on prognostic biomarkers that can be used to stratify patients (or experimental animals) at high risk of developing epilepsy will hopefully soon lead to proof-of-concept clinical trials with the most promising drugs, which will be essential to make prevention of epilepsy a reality. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'New Epilepsy Therapies for the 21st Century - From Antiseizure Drugs to Prevention, Modification and Cure of Epilepsy'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.
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16
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Saletti PG, Ali I, Casillas-Espinosa PM, Semple BD, Lisgaras CP, Moshé SL, Galanopoulou AS. In search of antiepileptogenic treatments for post-traumatic epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 123:86-99. [PMID: 29936231 PMCID: PMC6309524 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is diagnosed in 20% of individuals with acquired epilepsy, and can impact significantly the quality of life due to the seizures and other functional or cognitive and behavioral outcomes of the traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTE. There is no available antiepileptogenic or disease modifying treatment for PTE. Animal models of TBI and PTE have been developed, offering useful insights on the value of inflammatory, neurodegenerative pathways, hemorrhages and iron accumulation, calcium channels and other target pathways that could be used for treatment development. Most of the existing preclinical studies test efficacy towards pathologies of functional recovery after TBI, while a few studies are emerging testing the effects towards induced or spontaneous seizures. Here we review the existing preclinical trials testing new candidate treatments for TBI sequelae and PTE, and discuss future directions for efforts aiming at developing antiepileptogenic and disease-modifying treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia G Saletti
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Developmental Epilepsy, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Idrish Ali
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pablo M Casillas-Espinosa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bridgette D Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christos Panagiotis Lisgaras
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Developmental Epilepsy, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Solomon L Moshé
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Developmental Epilepsy, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Developmental Epilepsy, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Einstein/Montefiore Epilepsy Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Einstein/Montefiore Epilepsy Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Aristea S Galanopoulou
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Developmental Epilepsy, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Developmental Epilepsy, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Einstein/Montefiore Epilepsy Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
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17
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Perampanel chronic treatment does not induce tolerance and decreases tolerance to clobazam in genetically epilepsy prone rats. Epilepsy Res 2018; 146:94-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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18
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Mazzocchetti C, Striano P, Verrotti A. How to select the appropriate pharmacotherapy for absence seizures in children. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2018; 19:1045-1047. [PMID: 29924667 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1484902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazzocchetti
- a Department of Pediatrics, San Salvatore Hospital , University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila , Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- b Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, DINOGMI-Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health , University of Genoa, "G. Gaslini" Institute , Genova , Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- a Department of Pediatrics, San Salvatore Hospital , University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila , Italy
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19
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Russo E, Citraro R. Pharmacology of epileptogenesis and related comorbidities in the WAG/Rij rat model of genetic absence epilepsy. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 310:54-62. [PMID: 29857008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Animal studies currently represent the best source of information also in the field of epileptogenesis research. Many animal models have been proposed and studied so far both from the pathophysiological and pharmacological point of view. Furthermore, they are widely used for the identification of potentially clinically valuable biomarkers. The WAG/Rij rat model, similarly to other genetic animal strains, represents a suitable animal model of absence epileptogenesis accompanied by depressive-like and cognitive comorbidities. Generally, animal models of epileptogenesis are characterized by an identifiable initial insult (e.g. traumatic brain injury), a latent phase lasting up to the appearance of the first spontaneous seizure and a chronic phase characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures. In most of genetic models: the initial insult should be defined as the mutation causing epilepsy, which is not clearly defined in the WAG/Rij rat model; the latent phase ends at the appearance of the first spontaneous seizure, which is about 2-3 months of age in WAG/Rij rats and thereafter the chronic phase. WAG/Rij rats also display depressive-like comorbidity around the age of 4 months, which is apparently linked to the development of absence seizures considering both its ontogeny and the fact that drugs affecting absence seizures development also block the development of depressive-like behavior. Finally, WAG/Rij rats also display cognitive impairment in some memory tasks, however, this has not been yet definitively linked to absence seizures development and may represent an epiphenomenon. This review is focused on the effects of pharmacological treatments against epileptogenesis and their effects on comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy
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20
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Russo E, Citraro R, Mula M. The preclinical discovery and development of brivaracetam for the treatment of focal epilepsy. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2017; 12:1169-1178. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2017.1366985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Mula
- Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George’s University of London, London, UK
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21
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Jarre G, Altwegg-Boussac T, Williams MS, Studer F, Chipaux M, David O, Charpier S, Depaulis A, Mahon S, Guillemain I. Building Up Absence Seizures in the Somatosensory Cortex: From Network to Cellular Epileptogenic Processes. Cereb Cortex 2017; 27:4607-4623. [DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhx174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Jarre
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, GIN, F-38000 Grenoble, France
- Inserm, U1216, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Tristan Altwegg-Boussac
- Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Mark S. Williams
- Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Florian Studer
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, GIN, F-38000 Grenoble, France
- Inserm, U1216, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Mathilde Chipaux
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Department, Fondation Ophtalmologique A. de Rothschild, 75019 Paris, France
| | - Olivier David
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, GIN, F-38000 Grenoble, France
- Inserm, U1216, F-38000 Grenoble, France
- CHU de Grenoble, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Stéphane Charpier
- Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, F-75013, Paris, France
- UPMC Univ Paris 06, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Depaulis
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, GIN, F-38000 Grenoble, France
- Inserm, U1216, F-38000 Grenoble, France
- CHU de Grenoble, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Séverine Mahon
- Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Guillemain
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, GIN, F-38000 Grenoble, France
- Inserm, U1216, F-38000 Grenoble, France
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Kaur N, Singh T, Kumar S, Goel RK. Neurochemical evidence based suggested therapy for safe management of epileptogenesis. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 72:8-16. [PMID: 28570965 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Most of the clinically available antiepileptic drugs have only antiseizure effects and are reported unable to prevent epileptogenesis. In the past decade, several drugs underwent clinical trials for management of epileptogenesis, but none of the drugs tested was found effective. One of the major lacunas is availability of appropriate preclinical approaches to delineate mechanisms of epileptogenesis. Thus, the present study attempts to suggest a neurochemistry based approach for safe management of epileptogenesis. The altered neurochemical milieu in amygdala, cortex and hippocampus areas of the mice brain in naïve, kindled and kindling resistant animals has been delineated. The endogenous natural antiepileptogenic neurochemical defense mechanism observed in kindling resistant animals may uncover neurochemical mechanisms of epileptogenesis and in turn suggest us novel interventions for safe management of epileptogenesis. The kindling epileptogenesis was carried out in two month old male Swiss albino mice by administering subconvulsive pentylenetetrazole (35mg/kg; i.p.) at an interval of 48±2h for 42days. 2h after the last pentylenetetrazole injection, the animals were subjected to behavioral evaluations. Four hours after behavioral evaluation, all animals were euthanized and discrete parts of brain (amygdala, cortex and hippocampus) were harvested for neurochemical analysis. Results revealed that 60% of animals responded to kindling as observed with decreased seizure threshold, while the rest were found resistant. The kindled animals were found to be associated with anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment; while in kindling resistant animals no such behavioral deficits were observed. The neurochemical analysis revealed that in kindled animals altered glutamate-GABA neurotransmission, and decreased taurine, glycine, d-serine, monoamine levels with elevated indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity were observed, which may be convicted for progression of kindling epileptogenesis. However, in kindling resistant animals elevated GABA, taurine, tryptophan, serotonin, glycine, and d-serine levels with decreased indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity were observed as natural endogenous antiepileptogenic mechanisms, which may be foreseen as safe pharmacological targets for management of epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navjot Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
| | - Tanveer Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Goel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, India.
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Animal Models of Seizures and Epilepsy: Past, Present, and Future Role for the Discovery of Antiseizure Drugs. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:1873-1888. [PMID: 28290134 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2222-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The identification of potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of epilepsy requires the use of seizure models. Except for some early treatments, including bromides and phenobarbital, the antiseizure activity of all clinically used drugs was, for the most part, defined by acute seizure models in rodents using the maximal electroshock and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole seizure tests and the electrically kindled rat. Unfortunately, the clinical evidence to date would suggest that none of these models, albeit useful, are likely to identify those therapeutics that will effectively manage patients with drug resistant seizures. Over the last 30 years, a number of animal models have been developed that display varying degrees of pharmacoresistance, such as the phenytoin- or lamotrigine-resistant kindled rat, the 6-Hz mouse model of partial seizures, the intrahippocampal kainate model in mice, or rats in which spontaneous recurrent seizures develops after inducing status epilepticus by chemical or electrical stimulation. As such, these models can be used to study mechanisms of drug resistance and may provide a unique opportunity for identifying a truly novel antiseizure drug (ASD), but thus far clinical evidence for this hope is lacking. Although animal models of drug resistant seizures are now included in ASD discovery approaches such as the ETSP (epilepsy therapy screening program), it is important to note that no single model has been validated for use to identify potential compounds for as yet drug resistant seizures, but rather a battery of such models should be employed, thus enhancing the sensitivity to discover novel, highly effective ASDs. The present review describes the previous and current approaches used in the search for new ASDs and offers some insight into future directions incorporating new and emerging animal models of therapy resistance.
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Tanaka T, Ihara M. Post-stroke epilepsy. Neurochem Int 2017; 107:219-228. [PMID: 28202284 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Post-stroke epilepsy (PSE) is a common complication after stroke, yet treatment options remain limited. While many physicians prescribe antiepileptic drugs (AED) for secondary prevention of PSE, it is unclear which treatments are most effective in the prevention of recurrence of symptoms, or whether such therapy is needed for primary prevention. This review discusses the current understanding of epidemiology, diagnoses, mechanisms, risk factors, and treatments of PSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomotaka Tanaka
- Department of Neurology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Masafumi Ihara
- Department of Neurology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
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25
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Russo E, Citraro R, Constanti A, Leo A, Lüttjohann A, van Luijtelaar G, De Sarro G. Upholding WAG/Rij rats as a model of absence epileptogenesis: Hidden mechanisms and a new theory on seizure development. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 71:388-408. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Löscher W, Gillard M, Sands ZA, Kaminski RM, Klitgaard H. Synaptic Vesicle Glycoprotein 2A Ligands in the Treatment of Epilepsy and Beyond. CNS Drugs 2016; 30:1055-1077. [PMID: 27752944 PMCID: PMC5078162 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-016-0384-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The synaptic vesicle glycoprotein SV2A belongs to the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) of transporters and is an integral constituent of synaptic vesicle membranes. SV2A has been demonstrated to be involved in vesicle trafficking and exocytosis, processes crucial for neurotransmission. The anti-seizure drug levetiracetam was the first ligand to target SV2A and displays a broad spectrum of anti-seizure activity in various preclinical models. Several lines of preclinical and clinical evidence, including genetics and protein expression changes, support an important role of SV2A in epilepsy pathophysiology. While the functional consequences of SV2A ligand binding are not fully elucidated, studies suggest that subsequent SV2A conformational changes may contribute to seizure protection. Conversely, the recently discovered negative SV2A modulators, such as UCB0255, counteract the anti-seizure effect of levetiracetam and display procognitive properties in preclinical models. More broadly, dysfunction of SV2A may also be involved in Alzheimer's disease and other types of cognitive impairment, suggesting potential novel therapies for levetiracetam and its congeners. Furthermore, emerging data indicate that there may be important roles for two other SV2 isoforms (SV2B and SV2C) in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, as well as other neurodegenerative diseases. Utilization of recently developed SV2A positron emission tomography ligands will strengthen and reinforce the pharmacological evidence that SV2A is a druggable target, and will provide a better understanding of its role in epilepsy and other neurological diseases, aiding in further defining the full therapeutic potential of SV2A modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.
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Fit for purpose application of currently existing animal models in the discovery of novel epilepsy therapies. Epilepsy Res 2016; 126:157-84. [PMID: 27505294 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2016.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Animal seizure and epilepsy models continue to play an important role in the early discovery of new therapies for the symptomatic treatment of epilepsy. Since 1937, with the discovery of phenytoin, almost all anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) have been identified by their effects in animal models, and millions of patients world-wide have benefited from the successful translation of animal data into the clinic. However, several unmet clinical needs remain, including resistance to ASDs in about 30% of patients with epilepsy, adverse effects of ASDs that can reduce quality of life, and the lack of treatments that can prevent development of epilepsy in patients at risk following brain injury. The aim of this review is to critically discuss the translational value of currently used animal models of seizures and epilepsy, particularly what animal models can tell us about epilepsy therapies in patients and which limitations exist. Principles of translational medicine will be used for this discussion. An essential requirement for translational medicine to improve success in drug development is the availability of animal models with high predictive validity for a therapeutic drug response. For this requirement, the model, by definition, does not need to be a perfect replication of the clinical condition, but it is important that the validation provided for a given model is fit for purpose. The present review should guide researchers in both academia and industry what can and cannot be expected from animal models in preclinical development of epilepsy therapies, which models are best suited for which purpose, and for which aspects suitable models are as yet not available. Overall further development is needed to improve and validate animal models for the diverse areas in epilepsy research where suitable fit for purpose models are urgently needed in the search for more effective treatments.
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The anti-absence effect of mGlu5 receptor amplification with VU0360172 is maintained during and after antiepileptogenesis. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 146-147:50-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Klee R, Töllner K, Rankovic V, Römermann K, Schidlitzki A, Bankstahl M, Löscher W. Network pharmacology for antiepileptogenesis: Tolerability of multitargeted drug combinations in nonepileptic vs. post-status epilepticus mice. Epilepsy Res 2015; 118:34-48. [PMID: 26600369 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Prevention of symptomatic epilepsy ("antiepileptogenesis") in patients at risk is a major unmet clinical need. Several drugs underwent clinical trials for epilepsy prevention, but none of the drugs tested was effective. Similarly, most previous preclinical attempts to develop antiepileptogenic strategies failed. In the majority of studies, drugs were given as monotherapy. However, epilepsy is a complex network phenomenon, so that it is unlikely that a single drug can halt epileptogenesis. We recently proposed multitargeted approaches ("network pharmacology") to interfere with epileptogenesis. One strategy, which, if effective, would allow a relatively rapid translation into the clinic, is developing novel combinations of clinically used drugs with diverse mechanisms that are potentially relevant for antiepileptogenesis. In order to test this strategy preclinically, we developed an algorithm for testing such drug combinations, which was inspired by the established drug development phases in humans. As a first step of this algorithm, tolerability of four rationally chosen, repeatedly administered drug combinations was evaluated by a large test battery in mice: A, levetiracetam and phenobarbital; B, valproate, losartan, and memantine; C, levetiracetam and topiramate; and D, levetiracetam, parecoxib, and anakinra. As in clinical trials, tolerability was separately evaluated before starting efficacy experiments to identify any adverse effects of the combinations that may critically limit the successful translation of preclinical findings to the clinic. Except combination B, all drug cocktails were relatively well tolerated. Based on previous studies, we expected that tolerability would be lower in the latent and chronic phases following status epilepticus in mice, but, except combinations C and D, no significant differences were determined between nonepileptic and post-status epilepticus animals. As a next step, the rationally chosen drug combinations will be evaluated for antiepileptogenic activity in mouse and rat models of symptomatic epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Klee
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Kathrin Töllner
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Vladan Rankovic
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Kerstin Römermann
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Alina Schidlitzki
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Marion Bankstahl
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
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Citraro R, Leo A, De Fazio P, De Sarro G, Russo E. Antidepressants but not antipsychotics have antiepileptogenic effects with limited effects on comorbid depressive-like behaviour in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:3177-88. [PMID: 25754610 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Two of the most relevant unmet needs in epilepsy are represented by the development of disease-modifying drugs able to affect epileptogenesis and/or the study of related neuropsychiatric comorbidities. No systematic study has investigated the effects of chronic treatment with antipsychotics or antidepressants on epileptogenesis. However, such drugs are known to influence seizure threshold. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We evaluated the effects of an early long-term treatment (ELTT; 17 weeks), started before seizure onset (P45), with fluoxetine (selective 5-HT-reuptake inhibitor), duloxetine (dual-acting 5-HT-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor), haloperidol (typical antipsychotic drug), risperidone and quetiapine (atypical antipsychotic drugs) on the development of absence seizures and comorbid depressive-like behaviour in the WAG/Rij rat model. Furthermore, we studied the effects of these drugs on established absence seizures in adult (6-month-old) rats after a chronic 7 weeks treatment. KEY RESULTS ELTT with all antipsychotics did not affect the development of seizures, whereas, both ELTT haloperidol (1 mg · kg(-1) day(-1)) and risperidone (0.5 mg · kg(-1) day(-1)) increased immobility time in the forced swimming test and increased absence seizures only in adult rats (7 weeks treatment). In contrast, both fluoxetine (30 mg · kg(-1) day(-1)) and duloxetine (10-30 mg · kg(-1) day(-1)) exhibited clear antiepileptogenic effects. Duloxetine decreased and fluoxetine increased absence seizures in adult rats. Duloxetine did not affect immobility time; fluoxetine 30 mg · kg(-1) day(-1) reduced immobility time while at 10 mg · kg(-1) day(-1) an increase was observed. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In this animal model, antipsychotics had no antiepileptogenic effects and might worsen depressive-like comorbidity, while antidepressants have potential antiepileptogenic effects even though they have limited effects on comorbid depressive-like behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Citraro
- Pharmacology Unit, Science of Health Department School of Medicine and Surgery, University 'Magna Graecia' of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Leo
- Pharmacology Unit, Science of Health Department School of Medicine and Surgery, University 'Magna Graecia' of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pasquale De Fazio
- Psichiatry Unit, Science of Health Department School of Medicine and Surgery, University 'Magna Graecia' of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Pharmacology Unit, Science of Health Department School of Medicine and Surgery, University 'Magna Graecia' of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Pharmacology Unit, Science of Health Department School of Medicine and Surgery, University 'Magna Graecia' of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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Powell KL, Cain SM, Snutch TP, O'Brien TJ. Low threshold T-type calcium channels as targets for novel epilepsy treatments. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2015; 77:729-39. [PMID: 23834404 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Low voltage-activated T-type calcium channels were originally cloned in the 1990s and much research has since focused on identifying the physiological roles of these channels in health and disease states. T-type calcium channels are expressed widely throughout the brain and peripheral tissues, and thus have been proposed as therapeutic targets for a variety of diseases such as epilepsy, insomnia, pain, cancer and hypertension. This review discusses the literature concerning the role of T-type calcium channels in physiological and pathological processes related to epilepsy. T-type calcium channels have been implicated in pathology of both the genetic and acquired epilepsies and several anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) in clinical use are known to suppress seizures via inhibition of T-type calcium channels. Despite the fact that more than 15 new AEDs have become clinically available over the past 20 years at least 30% of epilepsy patients still fail to achieve seizure control, and many patients experience unwanted side effects. Furthermore there are no treatments that prevent the development of epilepsy or mitigate the epileptic state once established. Therefore there is an urgent need for the development of new AEDs that are effective in patients with drug resistant epilepsy, are anti-epileptogenic and are better tolerated. We also review the mechanisms of action of the current AEDs with known effects on T-type calcium channels and discuss novel compounds that are being investigated as new treatments for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim L Powell
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Citraro R, Leo A, Aiello R, Pugliese M, Russo E, De Sarro G. Comparative analysis of the treatment of chronic antipsychotic drugs on epileptic susceptibility in genetically epilepsy-prone rats. Neurotherapeutics 2015; 12:250-62. [PMID: 25404052 PMCID: PMC4322085 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-014-0318-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Antipsychotic drugs (APs) are of great benefit in several psychiatric disorders, but they can be associated with various adverse effects, including seizures. To investigate the effects of chronic antipsychotic treatment on seizure susceptibility in genetically epilepsy-prone rats, some APs were administered for 7 weeks, and seizure susceptibility (audiogenic seizures) was evaluated once a week during treatment and for 5 weeks after drug withdrawal. Furthermore, acute and subchronic (5-day treatment) effects were also measured. Rats received haloperidol (0.2-1.0 mg/kg), clozapine (1-5 mg/kg), risperidone (0.03-0.50 mg/kg), quetiapine (2-10 mg/kg), aripriprazole (0.2-1.0 mg/kg), and olanzapine (0.13-0.66 mg/kg), and tested according to treatment duration. Acute administration of APs had no effect on seizures, whereas, after regular treatment, aripiprazole reduced seizure severity; haloperidol had no effects and all other APs increased seizure severity. In chronically treated rats, clozapine showed the most marked proconvulsant effects, followed by risperidone and olanzapine. Quetiapine and haloperidol had only modest effects, and aripiprazole was anticonvulsant. Finally, the proconvulsant effects lasted at least 2-3 weeks after treatment suspension; for aripiprazole, a proconvulsant rebound effect was observed. Taken together, these results indicate and confirm that APs might have the potential to increase the severity of audiogenic seizures but that aripiprazole may exert anticonvulsant effects. The use of APs in patients, particularly in patients with epilepsy, should be monitored for seizure occurrence, including during the time after cessation of therapy. Further studies will determine whether aripiprazole really has a potential as an anticonvulsant drug and might also be clinically relevant for epileptic patients with psychiatric comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Citraro
- />Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa – Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Leo
- />Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa – Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rossana Aiello
- />Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa – Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Michela Pugliese
- />Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- />Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa – Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- />Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa – Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Koyama R. [Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying aberrant network reorganization in the epileptic brain]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2014; 134:1171-7. [PMID: 25366914 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.14-00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Well-refined wiring of neural circuits is fundamental to proper brain function. Aberrantly formed neural circuits may induce epileptiform discharges of neurons. Therefore, elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the development of aberrant neural circuitry will advance the understanding and prevention of epilepsy. The dentate gyrus has been suggested to serve as a gate that prevents the propagation of epileptiform activity from the entorhinal cortex to the hippocampus. Within the dentate gyrus is the dentate granule cell layer, which consists of densely packed granule cells that maintain intrinsically low-firing properties and rarely exhibit burst discharges synchronized with other neurons. Additionally, granule cells form abundant synaptic inputs to inhibitory interneurons in the dentate hilus, a fraction of which provide feedback inhibition back to the granule cells. Network reorganization of the dentate gyrus in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and in corresponding animal models was reported. Specifically, mossy fiber sprouting and the emergence of ectopic granule cells contribute to the observed phenotypes. This paper reviews the expanding literature on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of aberrant hippocampal networks and their role in epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuta Koyama
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo
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Serikawa T, Mashimo T, Kuramoro T, Voigt B, Ohno Y, Sasa M. Advances on genetic rat models of epilepsy. Exp Anim 2014; 64:1-7. [PMID: 25312505 PMCID: PMC4329510 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.14-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the suitability of laboratory rats in epilepsy research, we and other groups
have been developing genetic models of epilepsy in this species. After epileptic rats or
seizure-susceptible rats were sporadically found in outbred stocks, the epileptic traits
were usually genetically-fixed by selective breeding. So far, the absence seizure models
GAERS and WAG/Rij, audiogenic seizure models GEPR-3 and GEPR-9, generalized tonic-clonic
seizure models IER, NER and WER, and Canavan-disease related epileptic models TRM and SER
have been established. Dissection of the genetic bases including causative genes in these
epileptic rat models would be a significant step toward understanding epileptogenesis.
N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis provides a systematic approach which allowed us to
develop two novel epileptic rat models: heat-induced seizure susceptible (Hiss) rats with
an Scn1a missense mutation and autosomal dominant lateral temporal epilepsy (ADLTE) model
rats with an Lgi1 missense mutation. In addition, we have established episodic ataxia type
1 (EA1) model rats with a Kcna1 missense mutation derived from the ENU-induced rat mutant
stock, and identified a Cacna1a missense mutation in a N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea
(MNU)-induced mutant rat strain GRY, resulting in the discovery of episodic ataxia type 2
(EA2) model rats. Thus, epileptic rat models have been established on the two paths:
‘phenotype to gene’ and ‘gene to phenotype’. In the near future, development of novel
epileptic rat models will be extensively promoted by the use of sophisticated genome
editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadao Serikawa
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku 606-8501; Laboratory of Pharmacology, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki 569-1094, Japan
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Citraro R, Chimirri S, Aiello R, Gallelli L, Trimboli F, Britti D, De Sarro G, Russo E. Protective effects of some statins on epileptogenesis and depressive-like behavior in WAG/Rij rats, a genetic animal model of absence epilepsy. Epilepsia 2014; 55:1284-91. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
| | - Serafina Chimirri
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
| | - Rossana Aiello
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
| | - Francesca Trimboli
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
| | - Domenico Britti
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department; School of Medicine; University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro; Catanzaro Italy
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Pitkänen A, Huusko N, Ndode-Ekane XE, Kyyriäinen J, Lipponen A, Lipsanen A, Sierra A, Bolkvadze T. Gender issues in antiepileptogenic treatments. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 72 Pt B:224-32. [PMID: 24912075 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease modification of epilepsy refers to the alleviation of epileptogenesis or comorbidities after genetic or acquired epileptogenic brain insults. There are currently 30 proof-of-concept experimental pharmacologic studies that have demonstrated some beneficial disease-modifying effects. None of these studies, however, has yet passed from the laboratory to the clinic. The International League Against Epilepsy and American Epilepsy Society working groups on antiepileptogenic (AEG) therapies recently released recommendations for conducting preclinical AEG studies, taking into account many of the critiques raised by previous study designs. One of the issues relates to the lack of analysis of AEG efficacy in both sexes. A review of the literature reveals that most of the preclinical studies have been performed using male rodents, whereas clinical study cohorts include both males and females. Therefore, it is important to determine whether sex differences should be taken into account to a greater extent than they have been historically at different phases of experimental studies. Here we address the following questions based on analysis of available experimental AEG studies: (a) whether sex differences should be considered when searching for novel AEG targets, (b) how sex differences can affect the preclinical AEG study designs and analysis of outcome measures, and (c) what factors should be considered when examining the effect of sex on outcome of clinical AEG trials or the clinical use of AEGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asla Pitkänen
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, PO Box 1777, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Noora Huusko
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Xavier Ekolle Ndode-Ekane
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jenni Kyyriäinen
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anssi Lipponen
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anu Lipsanen
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Alejandra Sierra
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern, Finland, PO Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tamuna Bolkvadze
- Epilepsy Research Laboratory, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
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Russo E, Follesa P, Citraro R, Camastra C, Donato A, Isola D, Constanti A, De Sarro G, Donato G. The mTOR signaling pathway and neuronal stem/progenitor cell proliferation in the hippocampus are altered during the development of absence epilepsy in a genetic animal model. Neurol Sci 2014; 35:1793-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-014-1842-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Hippocampus, hippocampal sclerosis and epilepsy. Pharmacol Rep 2014; 65:555-65. [PMID: 23950578 DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(13)71033-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Revised: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is considered one of the major pathogenic factors of drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. HS is characterized by selective loss of pyramidal neurons - especially of sectors CA1 and CA3 of the hippocampus - pathological proliferation of interneuron networks, and severe glia reaction. These changes occur in the course of long-term and complex epileptogenesis. The authors, on the basis of a review of the literature and own experience, present the pathomechanisms leading to hippocampal sclerosis and epileptogenesis, including various morphological and functional elements of this structure of the brain and pharmacological possibilities of preventing these processes.
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Abstract
Descriptions of epileptic seizures and epilepsy date back to antiquity, and research into fundamental mechanisms of epilepsy in animal models, as well as patients, has been carried out for over a century. Studies of epileptogenesis, however, as distinct from ictogenesis, have been pursued for only a few decades, and antiepileptogenesis, the prevention of epilepsy or its progression, and the reversal of the epileptogenic process or cure, are relatively recent interests of the basic research community. The goal to develop antiepileptogenic interventions would be greatly facilitated by the identification of reliable biomarkers of epileptogenesis that could be used to create cost-effective, high-throughput screening models for potential antiepileptogenic compounds, as well as enrich patient populations and serve as surrogate endpoints for clinical trials. Without such biomarkers, the cost for clinical validation of antiepileptogenic interventions would be prohibitive. Epileptogenic mechanisms, antiepileptogenic interventions, and biomarkers are likely to be specific for the many different causes of epilepsy, which include genetic influences, cell loss and synaptic plasticity, malformations of cortical development, and autoimmune disorders, to name but a few. A high priority is currently being placed on investigations to elucidate fundamental mechanisms of epileptogenesis and identify biomarkers for specific models of human epilepsy, such as mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and a variety of pediatric diseases, including tuberous sclerosis and West syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asla Pitkänen
- />Department of Neurobiology, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- />Department of Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jerome Engel
- />Department of Neurology, Neurobiology, and Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1769 USA
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Kaminski RM, Rogawski MA, Klitgaard H. The potential of antiseizure drugs and agents that act on novel molecular targets as antiepileptogenic treatments. Neurotherapeutics 2014; 11:385-400. [PMID: 24671870 PMCID: PMC3996125 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-014-0266-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
A major goal of contemporary epilepsy research is the identification of therapies to prevent the development of recurrent seizures in individuals at risk, including those with brain injuries, infections, or neoplasms; status epilepticus; cortical dysplasias; or genetic epilepsy susceptibility. In this review we consider the evidence largely from preclinical models for the antiepileptogenic activity of a diverse range of potential therapies, including some marketed antiseizure drugs, as well as agents that act by immune and inflammatory mechanisms; reduction of oxidative stress; activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors γ pathways; effects on factors related to thrombolysis, hematopoesis, and angiogenesis; inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reducatase; brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling; and blockade of α2 adrenergic and cannabinoid receptors. Antiepileptogenesis refers to a therapy of which the beneficial action is to reduce seizure frequency or severity outlasting the treatment period. To date, clinical trials have failed to demonstrate that antiseizure drugs have such disease-modifying activity. However, studies in animal models with levetiracetam and ethosuximide are encouraging, and clinical trials with these agents are warranted. Other promising strategies are inhibition of interleukin 1β signaling by drugs such as VX-765; modulation of sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling by drugs such as fingolimod; activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin by drugs such as rapamycin; the hormone erythropoietin; and, paradoxically, drugs such as the α2 adrenergic receptor antagonist atipamezole and the CB1 cannabinoid antagonist SR141716A (rimonabant) with proexcitatory activity. These approaches could lead to a new paradigm in epilepsy drug therapy where treatment for a limited period prevents the occurrence of spontaneous seizures, thus avoiding lifelong commitment to symptomatic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael A. Rogawski
- />Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA USA
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White HS, Löscher W. Searching for the ideal antiepileptogenic agent in experimental models: single treatment versus combinatorial treatment strategies. Neurotherapeutics 2014; 11:373-84. [PMID: 24425186 PMCID: PMC3996126 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-013-0250-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A major unmet medical need is the lack of treatments to prevent (or modify) epilepsy in patients at risk, for example, after epileptogenic brain insults such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or prolonged acute symptomatic seizures like complex febrile seizures or status epilepticus. Typically, following such brain insults there is a seizure-free interval ("latent period"), lasting months to years before the onset of spontaneous recurrent epileptic seizures. The latent period after a brain insult offers a window of opportunity in which an appropriate treatment may prevent or modify the epileptogenic process induced by a brain insult. A similar latent period occurs in patients with epileptogenic gene mutations. Studies using animal models of epilepsy have led to a greater understanding of the factors underlying epileptogenesis and have provided significant insight into potential targets by which the development of epilepsy may be prevented or modified. This review focuses largely on some of the most common animal models of epileptogenesis and their potential utility for evaluating proposed antiepileptogenic therapies and identifying useful biomarkers. The authors also describe some of the limitations of using animal models in the search for therapies that move beyond the symptomatic treatment of epilepsy. Promising results of previous studies designed to evaluate antiepileptogenesis and the role of monotherapy versus polytherapy approaches are also discussed. Recent data from both models of genetic and acquired epilepsies strongly indicate that it is possible to prevent or modify epileptogenesis, and, hopefully, such promising results can ultimately be translated into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Steve White
- />Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Wolfgang Löscher
- />Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- />Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
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D'Ambrosio R, Eastman CL, Fattore C, Perucca E. Novel frontiers in epilepsy treatments: preventing epileptogenesis by targeting inflammation. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 13:615-25. [PMID: 23738999 DOI: 10.1586/ern.13.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Currently available epilepsy drugs only affect the symptoms (seizures), and there is a need for innovative treatments that target the underlying disease. Increasing evidence points to inflammation as a potentially important mechanism in epileptogenesis. In the last decade, a new generation of etiologically realistic syndrome-specific experimental models have been developed, which are expected to capture the epileptogenic mechanisms operating in corresponding patient populations, and to exhibit similar treatment responsiveness. Recently, an intervention known to have broad-ranging anti-inflammatory effects (selective brain cooling) has been found to prevent the development of spontaneously occurring seizures in an etiologically realistic rat model of post-traumatic epilepsy. Several drugs used clinically for other indications also have the potential for inhibiting inflammation, and should be investigated for antiepileptogenic activity in these models. If results of such studies are positive, these compounds could rapidly enter Phase III trials in patients at high risk of developing epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimondo D'Ambrosio
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Szaflarski JP, Nazzal Y, Dreer LE. Post-traumatic epilepsy: current and emerging treatment options. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2014; 10:1469-77. [PMID: 25143737 PMCID: PMC4136984 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s50421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to many undesired problems and complications, including immediate and long-term seizures/epilepsy, changes in mood, behavioral, and personality problems, cognitive and motor deficits, movement disorders, and sleep problems. Clinicians involved in the treatment of patients with acute TBI need to be aware of a number of issues, including the incidence and prevalence of early seizures and post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), comorbidities associated with seizures and anticonvulsant therapies, and factors that can contribute to their emergence. While strong scientific evidence for early seizure prevention in TBI is available for phenytoin (PHT), other antiepileptic medications, eg, levetiracetam (LEV), are also being utilized in clinical settings. The use of PHT has its drawbacks, including cognitive side effects and effects on function recovery. Rates of recovery after TBI are expected to plateau after a certain period of time. Nevertheless, some patients continue to improve while others deteriorate without any clear contributing factors. Thus, one must ask, 'Are there any actions that can be taken to decrease the chance of post-traumatic seizures and epilepsy while minimizing potential short- and long-term effects of anticonvulsants?' While the answer is 'probably,' more evidence is needed to replace PHT with LEV on a permanent basis. Some have proposed studies to address this issue, while others look toward different options, including other anticonvulsants (eg, perampanel or other AMPA antagonists), or less established treatments (eg, ketamine). In this review, we focus on a comparison of the use of PHT versus LEV in the acute TBI setting and summarize the clinical aspects of seizure prevention in humans with appropriate, but general, references to the animal literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy P Szaflarski
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA ; UAB Epilepsy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yara Nazzal
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA ; UAB Epilepsy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Laura E Dreer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Cuomo O, Rispoli V, Leo A, Politi GB, Vinciguerra A, di Renzo G, Cataldi M. The antiepileptic drug levetiracetam suppresses non-convulsive seizure activity and reduces ischemic brain damage in rats subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80852. [PMID: 24236205 PMCID: PMC3827478 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The antiepileptic drug Levetiracetam (Lev) has neuroprotective properties in experimental stroke, cerebral hemorrhage and neurotrauma. In these conditions, non-convulsive seizures (NCSs) propagate from the core of the focal lesion into perilesional tissue, enlarging the damaged area and promoting epileptogenesis. Here, we explore whether Lev neuroprotective effect is accompanied by changes in NCS generation or propagation. In particular, we performed continuous EEG recordings before and after the permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (pMCAO) in rats that received Lev (100 mg/kg) or its vehicle immediately before surgery. Both in Lev-treated and in control rats, EEG activity was suppressed after pMCAO. In control but not in Lev-treated rats, EEG activity reappeared approximately 30-45 min after pMCAO. It initially consisted in single spikes and, then, evolved into spike-and-wave and polyspike-and-wave discharges. In Lev-treated rats, only rare spike events were observed and the EEG power was significantly smaller than in controls. Approximately 24 hours after pMCAO, EEG activity increased in Lev-treated rats because of the appearance of polyspike events whose power was, however, significantly smaller than in controls. In rats sacrificed 24 hours after pMCAO, the ischemic lesion was approximately 50% smaller in Lev-treated than in control rats. A similar neuroprotection was observed in rats sacrificed 72 hours after pMCAO. In conclusion, in rats subjected to pMCAO, a single Lev injection suppresses NCS occurrence for at least 24 hours. This electrophysiological effect could explain the long lasting reduction of ischemic brain damage caused by this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Cuomo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Rispoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Leo
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bosco Politi
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Vinciguerra
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianfranco di Renzo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Mauro Cataldi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Löscher W, Klitgaard H, Twyman RE, Schmidt D. New avenues for anti-epileptic drug discovery and development. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2013; 12:757-76. [DOI: 10.1038/nrd4126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 424] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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van Luijtelaar G, Mishra AM, Edelbroek P, Coman D, Frankenmolen N, Schaapsmeerders P, Covolato G, Danielson N, Niermann H, Janeczko K, Kiemeneij A, Burinov J, Bashyal C, Coquillette M, Lüttjohann A, Hyder F, Blumenfeld H, van Rijn CM. Anti-epileptogenesis: Electrophysiology, diffusion tensor imaging and behavior in a genetic absence model. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 60:126-38. [PMID: 23978468 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The beneficial effects of chronic and early pharmacological treatment with ethosuximide on epileptogenesis were studied in a genetic absence epilepsy model comorbid for depression. It was also investigated whether there is a critical treatment period and treatment length. Cortical excitability in the form of electrical evoked potentials, but also to cortico-thalamo-cortical network activity (spike-wave discharges, SWD and afterdischarges), white matter changes representing extra cortico-thalamic functions and depressive-like behavior were investigated. WAG/Rij rats received either ethosuximide for 2 months (post natal months 2-3 or 4-5), or ethosuximide for 4 months (2-5) in their drinking water, while control rats drank plain water. EEG measurements were made during treatment, and 6 days and 2 months post treatment. Behavioral test were also done 6 days post treatment. DTI was performed ex vivo post treatment. SWD were suppressed during treatment, and 6 days and 2 months post treatment in the 4 month treated group, as well as the duration of AD elicited by cortical electrical stimulation 6 days post treatment. Increased fractional anisotropy in corpus callosum and internal capsula on DTI was found, an increased P8 evoked potential amplitude and a decreased immobility in the forced swim test. Shorter treatments with ETX had no large effects on any parameter. Chronic ETX has widespread effects not only within but also outside the circuitry in which SWD are initiated and generated, including preventing epileptogenesis and reducing depressive-like symptoms. The treatment of patients before symptom onset might prevent many of the adverse consequences of chronic epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles van Luijtelaar
- Donders Centre for Cognition, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Citraro R, Russo E, Ngomba RT, Nicoletti F, Scicchitano F, Whalley BJ, Calignano A, De Sarro G. CB1 agonists, locally applied to the cortico-thalamic circuit of rats with genetic absence epilepsy, reduce epileptic manifestations. Epilepsy Res 2013; 106:74-82. [PMID: 23860329 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Drugs that modulate the endocannabinoid system and endocannabinoids typically play an anticonvulsant role although some proconvulsant effects have been reported both in humans and animal models. Moreover, no evidence for a role of the cannabinoid system in human absence epilepsy has been found although limited evidence of efficacy in relevant experimental animal models has been documented. This study aims to characterize the role of cannabinoids in specific areas of the cortico-thalamic network involved in oscillations that underlie seizures in a genetic animal model of absence epilepsy, the WAG/Rij rat. We assessed the effects of focal injection of the endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide (AEA), a non-selective CB receptor agonist (WIN55,212) and a selective CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist (SR141716A) into thalamic nuclei and primary somatosensory cortex (S1po) of the cortico-thalamic network. AEA and WIN both reduced absence seizures independently from the brain focal site of infusion while, conversely, rimonabant increased absence seizures but only when focally administered to the ventroposteromedial thalamic nucleus (VPM). These results, together with previous reports, support therapeutic potential for endocannabinoid system modulators in absence epilepsy and highlight that attenuated endocannabinergic function may contribute to the generation and maintenance of seizures. Furthermore, the entire cortico-thalamic network responds to cannabinoid treatment, indicating that in all areas considered, CB receptor activation inhibits the pathological synchronization that subserves absence seizures. In conclusion, our result might be useful for the identification of future drug therapies in absence epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Citraro
- Chair of Pharmacology, Department of Health Science, School of Medicine and Surgery, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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Abstract
Absence seizures are common within many different epilepsies and span all the ages. Even though absence seizures were described more than three centuries ago advances associated with its classification, pathophysiology, genetics, treatment, prognosis, and associated co-morbidities continue to be made.
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Russo E, Citraro R, Donato G, Camastra C, Iuliano R, Cuzzocrea S, Constanti A, De Sarro G. mTOR inhibition modulates epileptogenesis, seizures and depressive behavior in a genetic rat model of absence epilepsy. Neuropharmacology 2013; 69:25-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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