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Gol M, Costa AM, Biagini G, Lucchi C. Seizure progression is slowed by enhancing neurosteroid availability in the brain of epileptic rats. Epilepsia 2024; 65:e41-e46. [PMID: 38243753 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Trilostane is a 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5-4 isomerase inhibitor able to produce a manyfold increase in brain levels of various neurosteroids, including allopregnanolone. We previously found that treatment with trilostane can slow down epileptogenesis in the kainic acid (KA) model of temporal lobe epilepsy. It is unknown whether trilostane may have a similar effect on the progression of epilepsy severity, as observed in KA-treated rats. Consequently, we investigated the effects of trilostane (50 mg/kg/day, 1 week) in epileptic rats, given 64 days after KA administration. Seizures were monitored by video-electrocorticographic recordings before and during the treatment with trilostane or vehicle (sesame oil), and neurosteroid levels were measured in serum and cerebral tissue using liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry after treatment. Pregnenolone sulfate, pregnenolone, progesterone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone, and allopregnanolone peripheral levels were massively increased by trilostane. With the only exception of hippocampal pregnenolone sulfate, the other neurosteroids augmented in both the neocortex and hippocampus. Only pregnanolone levels were not upregulated by trilostane. As expected, a significant increase in the seizure occurrence was observed in rats receiving the vehicle, but not in the trilostane group. This suggests that the increased availability of neurosteroids produced a disease-modifying effect in the brain of epileptic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Gol
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Costa
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Biagini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Lucchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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2
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Diviccaro S, Cioffi L, Falvo E, Giatti S, Melcangi RC. Allopregnanolone: An overview on its synthesis and effects. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e12996. [PMID: 34189791 PMCID: PMC9285581 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone, a 3α,5α-progesterone metabolite, acts as a potent allosteric modulator of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor. In the present review, the synthesis of this neuroactive steroid occurring in the nervous system is discussed with respect to physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, its physiological and neuroprotective effects are also reported. Interestingly, the levels of this neuroactive steroid, as well as its effects, are sex-dimorphic, suggesting a possible gender medicine based on this neuroactive steroid for neurological disorders. However, allopregnanolone presents low bioavailability and extensive hepatic metabolism, limiting its use as a drug. Therefore, synthetic analogues or a different therapeutic strategy able to increase allopregnanolone levels have been proposed to overcome any pharmacokinetic issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Eva Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
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The Neuroactive Steroid Pregnanolone Glutamate: Anticonvulsant Effect, Metabolites and Its Effect on Neurosteroid Levels in Developing Rat Brains. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:ph15010049. [PMID: 35056106 PMCID: PMC8780580 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnanolone glutamate (PA-G) is a neuroactive steroid that has been previously demonstrated to be a potent neuroprotective compound in several biological models in vivo. Our in vitro experiments identified PA-G as an inhibitor of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and a potentiator of γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAARs). In this study, we addressed the hypothesis that combined GABAAR potentiation and NMDAR antagonism could afford a potent anticonvulsant effect. Our results demonstrated the strong age-related anticonvulsive effect of PA-G in a model of pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. PA-G significantly decreased seizure severity in 12-day-old animals, but only after the highest dose in 25-day-old animals. Interestingly, the anticonvulsant effect of PA-G differed both qualitatively and quantitatively from that of zuranolone, an investigational neurosteroid acting as a potent positive allosteric modulator of GABAARs. Next, we identified 17-hydroxy-pregnanolone (17-OH-PA) as a major metabolite of PA-G in 12-day-old animals. Finally, the administration of PA-G demonstrated direct modulation of unexpected neurosteroid levels, namely pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. These results suggest that compound PA-G might be a pro-drug of 17-OH-PA, a neurosteroid with a promising neuroprotective effect with an unknown mechanism of action that may represent an attractive target for studying perinatal neural diseases.
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Bonilla-Jaime H, Zeleke H, Rojas A, Espinosa-Garcia C. Sleep Disruption Worsens Seizures: Neuroinflammation as a Potential Mechanistic Link. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12531. [PMID: 34830412 PMCID: PMC8617844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and daytime sleepiness, are common in people diagnosed with epilepsy. These disturbances can be attributed to nocturnal seizures, psychosocial factors, and/or the use of anti-epileptic drugs with sleep-modifying side effects. Epilepsy patients with poor sleep quality have intensified seizure frequency and disease progression compared to their well-rested counterparts. A better understanding of the complex relationship between sleep and epilepsy is needed, since approximately 20% of seizures and more than 90% of sudden unexpected deaths in epilepsy occur during sleep. Emerging studies suggest that neuroinflammation, (e.g., the CNS immune response characterized by the change in expression of inflammatory mediators and glial activation) may be a potential link between sleep deprivation and seizures. Here, we review the mechanisms by which sleep deprivation induces neuroinflammation and propose that neuroinflammation synergizes with seizure activity to worsen neurodegeneration in the epileptic brain. Additionally, we highlight the relevance of sleep interventions, often overlooked by physicians, to manage seizures, prevent epilepsy-related mortality, and improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herlinda Bonilla-Jaime
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Área de Biología Conductual y Reproductiva, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Ciudad de Mexico CP 09340, Mexico;
| | - Helena Zeleke
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program, College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Asheebo Rojas
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Claudia Espinosa-Garcia
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Janković SM, Dješević M, Janković SV. Experimental GABA A Receptor Agonists and Allosteric Modulators for the Treatment of Focal Epilepsy. J Exp Pharmacol 2021; 13:235-244. [PMID: 33727865 PMCID: PMC7954424 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s242964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
GABA A receptors are ubiquitous in the central nervous system and there is a huge diversity of receptor subtypes in almost all regions of the brain. However, the expression of GABA A receptor subtypes is altered in both the gray and white matter of patients with focal epilepsy. Although there is a number of anticonvulsants with marketing authorization for the treatment of focal epilepsy which act through GABA A receptors, potentiating the inhibitory effects of GABA, it is necessary to develop more potent and more specific GABAergic anticonvulsants that are effective in drug-resistant patients with focal epilepsy. There are three orthosteric and at least seven allosteric agonist binding sites at the GABA A receptor. In experimental and clinical studies, full agonists of GABA A receptors showed a tendency to cause desensitization of the receptors, tolerance, and physical dependence; therefore, partial orthosteric agonists and positive allosteric modulators of GABA A receptors were further developed. Preclinical studies demonstrated the anticonvulsant efficacy of positive allosteric modulators with selective action on GABA A receptors with α2/α3 subunits, but only a handful of them were further tested in clinical trials. The best results were obtained for clobazam (already marketed), ganaxolone (in phase III trials), CVL-865 (in phase II trials), and padsevonil (in phase III trials). Several compounds with more selective action on GABA A receptors, perhaps only in certain brain regions, have the potential to become effective drugs against specific subtypes of focal-onset epilepsy. However, their development needs time, and in the near future we can expect only one or two new GABA A agonists to obtain marketing authorization for focal epilepsy, an advance that would be of use for just a fraction of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miralem Dješević
- Cardiology Department, Private Policlinic Center Eurofarm, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Hercegovina
| | - Snežana V Janković
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
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Relationship between Delta Rhythm, Seizure Occurrence and Allopregnanolone Hippocampal Levels in Epileptic Rats Exposed to the Rebound Effect. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14020127. [PMID: 33561937 PMCID: PMC7914513 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abrupt withdrawal from antiepileptic drugs is followed by increased occurrence of epileptic seizures, a phenomenon known as the “rebound effect”. By stopping treatment with levetiracetam (LEV 300 mg/kg/day, n = 15; vs. saline, n = 15), we investigated the rebound effect in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. LEV was continuously administered using osmotic minipumps, 7 weeks after the intraperitoneal administration of kainic acid (15 mg/kg). The effects of LEV were determined by comparing time intervals, treatments, and interactions between these main factors. Seizures were evaluated by video-electrocorticographic recordings and power band spectrum analysis. Furthermore, we assessed endogenous neurosteroid levels by liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry. LEV significantly reduced the percentage of rats experiencing seizures, reduced the seizure duration, and altered cerebral levels of neurosteroids. In the first week of LEV discontinuation, seizures increased abruptly up to 700% (p = 0.002, Tukey’s test). The power of delta band in the seizure postictal component was related to the seizure occurrence after LEV withdrawal (r2 = 0.73, p < 0.001). Notably, allopregnanolone hippocampal levels were positively related to the seizure occurrence (r2 = 0.51, p = 0.02) and to the power of delta band (r2 = 0.67, p = 0.004). These findings suggest a role for the seizure postictal component in the rebound effect, which involves an imbalance of hippocampal neurosteroid levels.
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Lévesque M, Biagini G, Avoli M. Neurosteroids and Focal Epileptic Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249391. [PMID: 33321734 PMCID: PMC7763947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurosteroids are a family of compounds that are synthesized in principal excitatory neurons and glial cells, and derive from the transformation of cholesterol into pregnenolone. The most studied neurosteroids—allopregnanolone and allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC)—are known to modulate GABAA receptor-mediated transmission, thus playing a role in controlling neuronal network excitability. Given the role of GABAA signaling in epileptic disorders, neurosteroids have profound effects on seizure generation and play a role in the development of chronic epileptic conditions (i.e., epileptogenesis). We review here studies showing the effects induced by neurosteroids on epileptiform synchronization in in vitro brain slices, on epileptic activity in in vivo models, i.e., in animals that were made epileptic with chemoconvulsant treatment, and in epileptic patients. These studies reveal that neurosteroids can modulate ictogenesis and the occurrence of pathological network activity such as interictal spikes and high-frequency oscillations (80–500 Hz). Moreover, they can delay the onset of spontaneous seizures in animal models of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Overall, this evidence suggests that neurosteroids represent a new target for the treatment of focal epileptic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Lévesque
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital & Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-514-398-8909
| | - Giuseppe Biagini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Università 4, 41121 Modena, Italy;
| | - Massimo Avoli
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital & Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
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Calì F, Elia M, Vinci M, Vetri L, Correnti E, Trapolino E, Roccella M, Vanadia F, Romano V. Are Mutations in the DHRS9 Gene Causally Linked to Epilepsy? A Case Report. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56080387. [PMID: 32752300 PMCID: PMC7466289 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56080387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The DHRS9 gene is involved in several pathways including the synthesis of allopregnanolone from progesterone. Allopregnanolone is a positive modulator of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) action and plays a role in the control of neuronal excitability and seizures. Whole-exome sequencing performed on a girl with an early onset epilepsy revealed that she was a compound heterozygote for two novel missense mutations of the DHRS9 gene likely to disrupt protein function. No previous studies have reported the implication of this gene in epilepsy. We discuss a new potential pathogenic mechanism underlying epilepsy in a child, due to a defective progesterone pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Calì
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (M.V.); (L.V.)
| | - Maurizio Elia
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (M.V.); (L.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0935-936111; Fax: +39-0935-653327
| | - Mirella Vinci
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (M.V.); (L.V.)
| | - Luigi Vetri
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (M.V.); (L.V.)
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care G. D’Alessandro, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Edvige Correnti
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care G. D’Alessandro, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Trapolino
- Child Neuropsichiatry Unity, ISMEP-G. di Cristina Hospital-Arnas Civico, 90134 Palermo, Italy; (E.T.); (F.V.)
| | - Michele Roccella
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Francesca Vanadia
- Child Neuropsichiatry Unity, ISMEP-G. di Cristina Hospital-Arnas Civico, 90134 Palermo, Italy; (E.T.); (F.V.)
| | - Valentino Romano
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
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Miziak B, Chrościńska-Krawczyk M, Czuczwar SJ. Neurosteroids and Seizure Activity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:541802. [PMID: 33117274 PMCID: PMC7561372 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.541802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Still circa 25% to 30% of patients with epilepsy cannot be efficiently controlled with available antiepileptic drugs so newer pharmacological treatment options have been continuously searched for. In this context, a group of endogenous or exogenous neurosteroids allosterically positively modulating GABA-A receptors may offer a promising approach. Among endogenous neurosteroids synthesized in the brain, allopregnanolone or allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone have been documented to exert anticonvulsant activity in a number of experimental models of seizures-pentylenetetrazol-, bicuculline- pilocarpine-, or 6 Hz-induced convulsions in rodents. Neurosteroids can also inhibit fully kindled seizures and some of them have been reported to counteract maximal electroshock-induced convulsions. An exogenous neurosteroid, alphaxalone, significantly elevated the threshold for maximal electroconvulsions in mice but it did not potentiate the anticonvulsive action of a number of conventional antiepileptic drugs against maximal electroshock-induced seizures. Androsterone not only elevated the threshold but significantly enhanced the protective action of carbamazepine, gabapentin and phenobarbital against maximal electroshock in mice, as well. Ganaxolone (a 3beta-methylated analog of allopregnanolone) needs special consideration for two reasons. First, it performed better than conventional antiepileptic drugs, diazepam or valproate, in suppressing convulsive and lethal effects of pentylenetetrazol in pentylenetetrazol-kindled mice. Second, ganaxolone has been evaluated in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial in patients with intractable partial seizures, taking maximally 3 antiepileptic drugs. The initial results indicate that add-on therapy with ganaxolone resulted in reduced seizure frequency with adverse effect being mainly mild to moderate. Possibly, ganaxolone may be also considered against catamenial seizures. Some positive effects of ganaxolone as an adjuvant were also observed in children with refractory seizures and its use may also prove efficient for the management of neonatal seizures associated with hypoxic injury. Neurosteroids positively modulating GABA-A receptor complex exert anticonvulsive activity in many experimental models of seizures. Their interactions with antiepileptic drugs seem ambiguous in mice. Initial clinical data indicate that ganaxolone may provide a better seizure control in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Miziak
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Stanisław J. Czuczwar
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
- *Correspondence: Stanisław J. Czuczwar,
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