1
|
Yan J, Li T, Ji K, Zhou X, Yao W, Zhou L, Huang P, Zhong K. Safranal alleviates pentetrazole-induced epileptic seizures in mice by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis through GSK-3β inactivation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 333:118408. [PMID: 38823659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Saffron, a traditional Chinese medicine, is derived from Crocus sativus L. stigmas and has been reported to possess neuroprotective properties and potentially contribute to the inhibition of apoptosis and inflammation. Safranal, a potent monothyral aldehyde, is a main component of saffron that has been reported to have antiepileptic activity. However, the specific mechanism by which safranal suppresses epileptic seizures via its antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties is unclear. AIM To evaluate the effect of safranal on seizure severity, inflammation, and postictal neuronal apoptosis in a mouse model of pentetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures and explore the underlying mechanism involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS The seizure stage and latency of stage 2 and 4 were quantified to assess the efficacy of safranal in mitigating PTZ-induced epileptic seizures in mice. Electroencephalography (EEG) was employed to monitor epileptiform afterdischarges in each experimental group. The cognitive abilities and motor functions of the mice were evaluated using the novel object recognition test and the open field test, respectively. Neurons were quantified using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Additionally, bioinformatics tools were utilized to predict the interactions between safranal and specific target proteins. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), mitochondrial apoptosis-related proteins, and inflammatory factor levels were analyzed through western blotting. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) concentrations in brain tissue were assessed by ELISA. RESULTS Safranal decreased the average seizure stage and increased the lantency of stage 2 and 4 seizures in PTZ-induced epileptic mice. Additionally, safranal exhibited neuroprotective effects on hippocampal CA1 and CA3 neurons and reduced hyperactivity caused by postictal hyperexcitability. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that safranal can bind to five specific proteins, including GSK-3β. By promoting Ser9 phosphorylation and inhibiting GSK-3β activity, safranal effectively suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, the findings indicate that safranal treatment can decrease TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the cerebral tissues of epileptic mice and downregulate mitochondrial apoptosis-related proteins, including Bcl-2, Bax, Bak, Caspase 9, and Caspase 3. CONCLUSION Safranal can suppress the NF-κB signaling pathway and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis through GSK-3β inactivation, suggesting that it is a promising therapeutic agent for epilepsy treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jieping Yan
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Kaiyue Ji
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Xinyue Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Weiyi Yao
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Liujing Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| | - Kai Zhong
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Reimers A. Pharmacotherapy for focal epilepsy: how close are we to a cure? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024:1-3. [PMID: 39136419 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2392879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Arne Reimers
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Talevi A, Bellera C. An update on the novel methods for the discovery of antiseizure and antiepileptogenic medications: where are we in 2024? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:975-990. [PMID: 38963148 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2373165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the availability of around 30 antiseizure medications, 1/3 of patients with epilepsy fail to become seizure-free upon pharmacological treatment. Available medications provide adequate symptomatic control in two-thirds of patients, but disease-modifying drugs are still scarce. Recently, though, new paradigms have been explored. AREAS COVERED Three areas are reviewed in which a high degree of innovation in the search for novel antiseizure and antiepileptogenic medications has been implemented: development of novel screening approaches, search for novel therapeutic targets, and adoption of new drug discovery paradigms aligned with a systems pharmacology perspective. EXPERT OPINION In the past, worldwide leaders in epilepsy have reiteratively stated that the lack of progress in the field may be explained by the recurrent use of the same molecular targets and screening procedures to identify novel medications. This landscape has changed recently, as reflected by the new Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program and the introduction of many in vitro and in vivo models that could possibly improve our chances of identifying first-in-class medications that may control drug-resistant epilepsy or modify the course of disease. Other milestones include the study of new molecular targets for disease-modifying drugs and exploration of a systems pharmacology perspective to design new drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan Talevi
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compound Research and Development (LIDeB), Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CCT La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Carolina Bellera
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compound Research and Development (LIDeB), Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CCT La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Neumann AM, Britsch S. Molecular Genetics of Acquired Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Biomolecules 2024; 14:669. [PMID: 38927072 PMCID: PMC11202058 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
An epilepsy diagnosis reduces a patient's quality of life tremendously, and it is a fate shared by over 50 million people worldwide. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is largely considered a nongenetic or acquired form of epilepsy that develops in consequence of neuronal trauma by injury, malformations, inflammation, or a prolonged (febrile) seizure. Although extensive research has been conducted to understand the process of epileptogenesis, a therapeutic approach to stop its manifestation or to reliably cure the disease has yet to be developed. In this review, we briefly summarize the current literature predominately based on data from excitotoxic rodent models on the cellular events proposed to drive epileptogenesis and thoroughly discuss the major molecular pathways involved, with a focus on neurogenesis-related processes and transcription factors. Furthermore, recent investigations emphasized the role of the genetic background for the acquisition of epilepsy, including variants of neurodevelopmental genes. Mutations in associated transcription factors may have the potential to innately increase the vulnerability of the hippocampus to develop epilepsy following an injury-an emerging perspective on the epileptogenic process in acquired forms of epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kohansal M, Alghanimi YK, Banoon SR, Ghasemian A, Afkhami H, Daraei A, Wang Z, Nekouian N, Xie J, Deng X, Tang H. CircRNA-associated ceRNA regulatory networks as emerging mechanisms governing the development and biophysiopathology of epilepsy. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14735. [PMID: 38676299 PMCID: PMC11053249 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The etiology of epilepsy is ascribed to the synchronized aberrant neuronal activity within the brain. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs characterized by their circular structures and covalent linkage, exert a substantial influence on this phenomenon. CircRNAs possess stereotyped replication, transience, repetitiveness, and paroxysm. Additionally, MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a crucial role in the regulation of diverse pathological processes, including epilepsy. CircRNA is of particular significance due to its ability to function as a competing endogenous RNA, thereby sequestering or inhibiting miRNA activity through binding to target mRNA. Our review primarily concentrates on elucidating the pathological and functional roles, as well as the underlying mechanisms, of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks in epilepsy. Additionally, it explores the potential utility of these networks for early detection and therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Kohansal
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research CenterFasa University of Medical SciencesFasaIran
- Department of BiologyPayame Noor UniversityTehranIran
| | | | - Shaimaa R. Banoon
- Department of Biology, College of ScienceUniversity of MisanAmarahIraq
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research CenterFasa University of Medical SciencesFasaIran
| | - Hamed Afkhami
- Nervous System Stem Cells Research CenterSemnan University of Medical SciencesSemnanIran
- Cellular and Molecular Research CenterQom University of Medical SciencesQomIran
- Faculty of MedicineShahed UniversityTehranIran
| | - Abdolreza Daraei
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research InstituteBabol University of Medical SciencesBabolIran
| | - Zhangling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Najmeh Nekouian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research CenterFasa University of Medical SciencesFasaIran
| | - Jindong Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Xinpei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shariff S, Nouh HA, Inshutiyimana S, Kachouh C, Abdelwahab MM, Nazir A, Wojtara M, Uwishema O. Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of epilepsy: Unraveling the molecular mechanisms: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e1896. [PMID: 38361811 PMCID: PMC10867297 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Epilepsy is characterized by having two or more unprovoked seizures. Understanding the pathogenesis of epilepsy, requires deep investigation into the molecular mechanisms. This helps develop diagnostic techniques, treatments, and pharmacotherapy. It also enhances precision medicine and individualized treatment processes. This article reviews all the molecular mechanisms predisposing to epileptogenesis, presents the current diagnostic techniques and drug therapy, and suggests future perspectives in treating Epilepsy in a more comprehensive and holistic approach. Methodology Four authors searched keywords concerning epilepsy at a molecular level, Epilepsy diagnostic techniques and technologies, and antiepileptic drug therapy and precision medicine. Separate search strategies were conducted for each concern and retrieved articles were reviewed for relevant results. Results The traditional diagnostic techniques for Epilepsy and its pathogenesis are insufficient in highlighting dynamic brain changes. For this, emerging technologies including genetic sequencing and profiling, and functional neuroimaging techniques are prevailing. Concerning treatment, the current approach focuses on managing symptoms and stopping seizures using antiseizure medications. However, their usage is limited by developing resistance to such drugs. Some therapies show promise, although most antiseizure drugs do not prevent epilepsy. Discussion Understanding epileptogenesis at a molecular and genetic level aids in developing new antiepileptic pharmacotherapy. The aim is to develop therapies that could prevent seizures or modify disease course, decreasing the severity and avoiding drug resistance. Gene therapy and precision medicine are promising but applications are limited due to the heterogeneity in studying the Epileptic brain, dynamically. The dynamic investigation of the epileptic brain with its comorbidities works hand-in-hand with precision medicine, in developing personalized treatment plans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanobar Shariff
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Department of MedicineYerevan State Medical UniversityYerevanArmenia
| | - Halah A. Nouh
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Department of MedicineLebanese UniversityBeirutLebanon
| | - Samuel Inshutiyimana
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Department of MedicineUnited States International University‐AfricaNairobiKenya
| | - Charbel Kachouh
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Department of MedicineSaint‐Joseph UniversityBeirutLebanon
| | - Maya M. Abdelwahab
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Faculty of MedicineHelwan UniversityCairoEgypt
| | - Abubakar Nazir
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Department of MedicineKing Edward Medical UniversityLahorePakistan
| | - Magda Wojtara
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Olivier Uwishema
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Department of MedicineClinton Global Initiative UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Faculty of MedicineKaradeniz Technical UniversityTrabzonTurkey
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gupta R, Soni D, Upadhayay S, Dhureja M, Kumar P. Impact of noscapine on halting the progression of pentylenetetrazole induced kindling epilepsy in mice. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2023; 50:984-991. [PMID: 37724453 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is caused by an excessive recurrent excitatory neuronal firing, characterized by motor, psychomotor, and sensory impairments. Current therapies fail to produce 100% outcomes because of the complexity of the disease, poor diagnosis, and upsurge to drug-resistant epilepsy. The study repurposed the drug 'noscapine' mainly known for its anti-tussive properties. For the management of epilepsy and its associated secondary complications. To confirm the effect of noscapine, adult mice were injected with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) (35 mg/kg i.p.) on an alternate day for 29 days to induce epilepsy. Animals were pretreated with noscapine in three doses (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg i.p.) for 33 days. Various behavioural assessments like the open field test, Morris water maze, and tail suspension test were performed to observe animals' locomotor activity, spatial memory, and anxiety-depressive behaviour. On the 34th day, animals were sacrificed, and brains were removed for biochemical estimations. Prolonged PTZ treatment reduced locomotor, learning activity, and increased anxiety-depressive behaviour, which was further confirmed by reduced antioxidant levels such as reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase because of increased oxido-nitrosative stress, that is, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite in the brain. In comparison, noscapine pretreatment attenuated PTZ-induced behavioural and biochemical changes in the animals. The results indicate that noscapine ameliorates the oxido-nitrosative stress. However, studies indicate that oxido-nitrosative stress is a significant concern for the GABAergic neurons and promotes the disease progression. Further studies are required to explore the molecular mechanism of noscapine, which might be a practical approach as a newer antiepileptic agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rishav Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | - Divya Soni
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | - Shubham Upadhayay
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | - Maanvi Dhureja
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | - Puneet Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Moos WH, Faller DV, Glavas IP, Kanara I, Kodukula K, Pernokas J, Pernokas M, Pinkert CA, Powers WR, Sampani K, Steliou K, Vavvas DG. Epilepsy: Mitochondrial connections to the 'Sacred' disease. Mitochondrion 2023; 72:84-101. [PMID: 37582467 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Over 65 million people suffer from recurrent, unprovoked seizures. The lack of validated biomarkers specific for myriad forms of epilepsy makes diagnosis challenging. Diagnosis and monitoring of childhood epilepsy add to the need for non-invasive biomarkers, especially when evaluating antiseizure medications. Although underlying mechanisms of epileptogenesis are not fully understood, evidence for mitochondrial involvement is substantial. Seizures affect 35%-60% of patients diagnosed with mitochondrial diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction is pathophysiological in various epilepsies, including those of non-mitochondrial origin. Decreased ATP production caused by malfunctioning brain cell mitochondria leads to altered neuronal bioenergetics, metabolism and neurological complications, including seizures. Iron-dependent lipid peroxidation initiates ferroptosis, a cell death pathway that aligns with altered mitochondrial bioenergetics, metabolism and morphology found in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Studies in mouse genetic models with seizure phenotypes where the function of an essential selenoprotein (GPX4) is targeted suggest roles for ferroptosis in epilepsy. GPX4 is pivotal in NDDs, where selenium protects interneurons from ferroptosis. Selenium is an essential central nervous system micronutrient and trace element. Low serum concentrations of selenium and other trace elements and minerals, including iron, are noted in diagnosing childhood epilepsy. Selenium supplements alleviate intractable seizures in children with reduced GPX activity. Copper and cuproptosis, like iron and ferroptosis, link to mitochondria and NDDs. Connecting these mechanistic pathways to selenoproteins provides new insights into treating seizures, pointing to using medicines including prodrugs of lipoic acid to treat epilepsy and to potential alternative therapeutic approaches including transcranial magnetic stimulation (transcranial), photobiomodulation and vagus nerve stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walter H Moos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Douglas V Faller
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Cancer Research Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ioannis P Glavas
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Julie Pernokas
- Advanced Dental Associates of New England, Woburn, MA, USA
| | - Mark Pernokas
- Advanced Dental Associates of New England, Woburn, MA, USA
| | - Carl A Pinkert
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Whitney R Powers
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Anatomy, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Konstantina Sampani
- Beetham Eye Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kosta Steliou
- Cancer Research Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; PhenoMatriX, Inc., Natick, MA, USA
| | - Demetrios G Vavvas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Retina Service, Angiogenesis Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Knap B, Nieoczym D, Kundap U, Kusio-Targonska K, Kukula-Koch W, Turski WA, Gawel K. Zebrafish as a robust preclinical platform for screening plant-derived drugs with anticonvulsant properties-a review. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1221665. [PMID: 37701853 PMCID: PMC10493295 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1221665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, selected plant sources have been explored for medicines to treat convulsions. This continues today, especially in countries with low-income rates and poor medical systems. However, in the low-income countries, plant extracts and isolated drugs are in high demand due to their good safety profiles. Preclinical studies on animal models of seizures/epilepsy have revealed the anticonvulsant and/or antiepileptogenic properties of, at least some, herb preparations or plant metabolites. Still, there is a significant number of plants known in traditional medicine that exert anticonvulsant activity but have not been evaluated on animal models. Zebrafish is recognized as a suitable in vivo model of epilepsy research and is increasingly used as a screening platform. In this review, the results of selected preclinical studies are summarized to provide credible information for the future development of effective screening methods for plant-derived antiseizure/antiepileptic therapeutics using zebrafish models. We compared zebrafish vs. rodent data to show the translational value of the former in epilepsy research. We also surveyed caveats in methodology. Finally, we proposed a pipeline for screening new anticonvulsant plant-derived drugs in zebrafish ("from tank to bedside and back again").
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Knap
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Nieoczym
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Uday Kundap
- Canada East Spine Center, Saint John Regional Hospital, Horizon Health Center, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Kamila Kusio-Targonska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Wirginia Kukula-Koch
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A. Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kinga Gawel
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abd-allah W, El-maksoud MSA, Elbaset MA, Hessin AF, Hassan RM. Design and synthesis of novel cycloalkanecarboxamide parabanic acid hybrids as anticonvulsants.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3207381/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Aiming to develop novel anticonvulsant agents a new series of novel cycloalkanecarboxamide parabanic acid hybrids series 8, 9 and 10 possessing the essential structure requirements for anticonvulsant activity was synthesized starting from cycloalkanones. All final target compounds were primary screened for chemically and electrically induced seizures using pentylenetetrazole “scPTZ” and maximal electroshock seizure “MES” models. In phase I anticonvulsant evaluation compounds 8b and 10b exhibited the highest potency among all the target compounds with 100% protection towards chemically induced seizures. Results of phase II anticonvulsant screening showed that compounds 8b and 10b are more potent than standard drug ethosuximide by about 11 and 9 fold, respectively. Regarding MES test, compounds 8b and 9a-d exhibited 100% protection with ED50 values ranged between 0.107–0.177 mmol/Kg. All final compounds did not display any signs of motor impairment in the neurotoxicity screening test. Also, compounds 8a, 9a-d and 10b were devoid of hepatotoxicity as shown by measurement of serum levels of liver enzymes, albumin as well as total protein. Moreover, the cyclohexyl derivative 10b produced a significant increase of Gamma-aminobutyric acid “GABA” brain’s content of mice compared to control group confirmed its GABAergic modulating activity. Molecular docking, physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties were carried out for all compounds as well. These outcomes support that cycloalkanecarboxamide parabanic acid hybrid is a promising scaffold to pave the way towards further development of novel class of antiepileptic drugs.
Collapse
|
12
|
Cumbres-Vargas IM, Zamudio SR, Pichardo-Macías LA, Ramírez-San Juan E. Thalidomide Attenuates Epileptogenesis and Seizures by Decreasing Brain Inflammation in Lithium Pilocarpine Rat Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076488. [PMID: 37047461 PMCID: PMC10094940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide (TAL) has shown potential therapeutic effects in neurological diseases like epilepsy. Both clinical and preclinical studies show that TAL may act as an antiepileptic drug and as a possible treatment against disease development. However, the evidence for these effects is limited. Therefore, the antiepileptogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of TAL were evaluated herein. Sprague Dawley male rats were randomly allocated to one of five groups (n = 18 per group): control (C); status epilepticus (SE); SE-TAL (25 mg/kg); SE-TAL (50 mg/kg); and SE-topiramate (TOP; 60mg/kg). The lithium-pilocarpine model was used, and one day after SE induction the rats received pharmacological treatment for one week. The brain was obtained, and the hippocampus was micro-dissected 8, 18, and 28 days after SE. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β concentrations were quantified. TOP and TAL (50 mg/kg) increased the latency to the first of many spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) and decreased SRS frequency, as well as decreasing TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations in the hippocampus. In conclusion, the results showed that both TAL (50 mg/kg) and TOP have anti-ictogenic and antiepileptogenic effects, possibly by decreasing neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irán M Cumbres-Vargas
- Departamento de Fisiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07738, Mexico
| | - Sergio R Zamudio
- Departamento de Fisiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07738, Mexico
| | - Luz A Pichardo-Macías
- Departamento de Fisiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07738, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Ramírez-San Juan
- Departamento de Fisiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07738, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|