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Becit-Kizilkaya M, Oncu S, Bugra Koca H, Cavusoglu D. Evaluation of anti-seizure medications and their serum concentration with regard to cardiovascular risk parameters: A cross-sectional study. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 155:109802. [PMID: 38657483 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epilepsy is a chronic disease that requires long-term monitoring and treatment. It is suspected that there is a interaction between the use of anti-seizure medications and the risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study is to investigate the association between the intake of phenobarbital, carbamazepine and valproic acid and their serum drug concentrations (SDC) with various cardiovascular risk parameters (homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B12, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)). METHODS This is a cross-sectional study. Data (demographic characteristics and laboratory results) of patients treated for epilepsy in a tertiary care hospital between January 2020 and February 2022 were analyzed retrospectively (n = 2014). Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, correlation analysis was used, p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The median age of patients was 15 years (IQR:8-31) and 48.3 % were women. The highest homocysteine level was found in patients receiving valproic acid, but it was not statistically significant. Patients receiving phenobarbital had the highest levels of folic acid and B12 and the lowest levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which was statistically significant. In patients receiving carbamazepine, a moderately negative significant association was found between serum drug concentration and folic acid levels and a moderately positive significant association was found between TC and LDL levels. CONCLUSION In our study, the majority of patients were children and adolescents. Regular monitoring of drug serum concentrations and metabolic parameters may be useful to select the safest drug in terms of cardiovascular disease risk. Randomized controlled trials on the long-term effects of anti-seizure treatment are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Becit-Kizilkaya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey.
| | - Seyma Oncu
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey.
| | - Halit Bugra Koca
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey.
| | - Dilek Cavusoglu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey.
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Zhou L, Bai X, Wu B, Tan Y, Li M, Yang Q. Characterizing Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Neurology Outpatients: A Retrospective Observational Study. Clin Neuropharmacol 2024; 47:87-96. [PMID: 38743602 DOI: 10.1097/wnf.0000000000000593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinical manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency are varied and may result in missed or delayed diagnosis. This investigation explores the diverse clinical manifestations and demographic characteristics of vitamin B12 deficiency in neurology outpatients, aiming to enhance timely diagnosis and outcomes. METHODS The severity of vitamin B12 deficiency was classified as absolute (≤150 pg/mL) or borderline deficiency (150-300 pg/mL). We conducted a retrospective analysis of 165 outpatients with vitamin B12 deficiency at the department of neurology between May 2020 and May 2021. RESULT Absolute vitamin B12 deficiency was found in 23.0% of the patients. The most common age range was 50-60 years, the most common cause was vegetarianism, and the most common symptom was headache. Epileptiform symptoms were more likely to occur in younger patients (<20 years old) with vitamin B12 deficiency, whereas psychiatric symptoms were more likely to occur in older patients (>70 years old). Vegetarians, salivation, and nonmegaloblastic anemia were more obvious in patients with absolute vitamin B12 deficiency, whereas headaches often showed borderline B12 deficiency. CONCLUSIONS The clinical characteristics of vitamin B12 deficiency are complex and nonspecific. The diagnosis should be based on multiple factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | | | - Bowen Wu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongjun Tan
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengxia Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Magadmi R, Alyoubi R. Demographic and Clinical Predictors of Drug Response in Epileptic Children in Jeddah. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2151. [PMID: 37626648 PMCID: PMC10452810 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease of the brain. Over 20 antiseizure medications are available on the market, but a third of patients still have drug-resistant epilepsy. This study was designed to assess the impact of the demographic and clinical characteristics of epileptic children on their likelihood of developing drug resistance. This study was a multicenter, hospital-based, cross-sectional, case-control study of pediatric patients diagnosed with epilepsy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study included 101 children with epilepsy. Fifty-six patients showed good response to antiseizure medications (ASMs), and forty-five patients had a poor response. A statistically significant good response to ASMs was reported among younger patients, those who did not report parental consanguinity, those who did not have a family history of epilepsy, and those diagnosed with partial seizures, with no reported adverse effects. The levetiracetam regimen was statistically significant regarding the responsiveness to ASMs. Patients on a monotherapy regimen elicited a significantly better response to levetiracetam than patients on polytherapy (p < 0.001). No significant association was found between the response to ASMs and the sex, nationality, body mass index, complete blood count, or vitamin B12 level. In conclusion, the ASM response in epileptic patients can be predicted by knowing the patient's demographic and epileptic history. However, the complete blood count and vitamin B12 level failed to predict patients' response to ASMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Magadmi
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Alyoubi
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
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Berger MM, Shenkin A, Schweinlin A, Amrein K, Augsburger M, Biesalski HK, Bischoff SC, Casaer MP, Gundogan K, Lepp HL, de Man AME, Muscogiuri G, Pietka M, Pironi L, Rezzi S, Cuerda C. ESPEN micronutrient guideline. Clin Nutr 2022; 41:1357-1424. [PMID: 35365361 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2022.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trace elements and vitamins, named together micronutrients (MNs), are essential for human metabolism. Recent research has shown the importance of MNs in common pathologies, with significant deficiencies impacting the outcome. OBJECTIVE This guideline aims to provide information for daily clinical nutrition practice regarding assessment of MN status, monitoring, and prescription. It proposes a consensus terminology, since many words are used imprecisely, resulting in confusion. This is particularly true for the words "deficiency", "repletion", "complement", and "supplement". METHODS The expert group attempted to apply the 2015 standard operating procedures (SOP) for ESPEN which focuses on disease. However, this approach could not be applied due to the multiple diseases requiring clinical nutrition resulting in one text for each MN, rather than for diseases. An extensive search of the literature was conducted in the databases Medline, PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and CINAHL. The search focused on physiological data, historical evidence (published before PubMed release in 1996), and observational and/or randomized trials. For each MN, the main functions, optimal analytical methods, impact of inflammation, potential toxicity, and provision during enteral or parenteral nutrition were addressed. The SOP wording was applied for strength of recommendations. RESULTS There was a limited number of interventional trials, preventing meta-analysis and leading to a low level of evidence. The recommendations underwent a consensus process, which resulted in a percentage of agreement (%): strong consensus required of >90% of votes. Altogether the guideline proposes sets of recommendations for 26 MNs, resulting in 170 single recommendations. Critical MNs were identified with deficiencies being present in numerous acute and chronic diseases. Monitoring and management strategies are proposed. CONCLUSION This guideline should enable addressing suboptimal and deficient status of a bundle of MNs in at-risk diseases. In particular, it offers practical advice on MN provision and monitoring during nutritional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette M Berger
- Department of Adult Intensive Care, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Alan Shenkin
- Institute of Aging and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Anna Schweinlin
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Karin Amrein
- Medical University of Graz, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Austria.
| | - Marc Augsburger
- University Centre of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Geneva University Hospital and University of Geneva, Lausanne-Geneva, Switzerland.
| | | | - Stephan C Bischoff
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Michael P Casaer
- KU Leuven, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Kursat Gundogan
- Division of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey.
| | | | - Angélique M E de Man
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Research VUmc Intensive Care (REVIVE), Amsterdam Cardiovascular Science (ACS), Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute (AI&II), Amsterdam Medical Data Science (AMDS), Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Giovanna Muscogiuri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università di Napoli (Federico II), Naples, Italy; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II, University, Naples, Italy.
| | - Magdalena Pietka
- Pharmacy Department, Stanley Dudrick's Memorial Hospital, Skawina, Poland.
| | - Loris Pironi
- Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Italy; IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Centre for Chronic Intestinal Failure - Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Unit, Italy.
| | - Serge Rezzi
- Swiss Nutrition and Health Foundation (SNHf), Epalinges, Switzerland.
| | - Cristina Cuerda
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Nutrition Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
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The potential use of folate and its derivatives in treating psychiatric disorders: A systematic review. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112541. [PMID: 34953391 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the strengths and limitations of existing data to provide guidance for the use of folate supplements as treatment, with or without other psychotropic medications, in various psychiatric disorders. To identify area for further research in terms of the biosynthesis of mechanism of folate and genetic variants in metabolic pathway in human. METHODS A systematic review of published literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to assess whether folate supplements are beneficial in certain psychiatric disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Methodology of this review is registered with Prospero (Registration number CRD 42021266605). DATA SOURCES Eligible studies were identified using a systematic search of four electronic databases: Embase, Pubmed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane. The search strategy covered the time period from 1974 to August 16th, 2021. Therefore, this review examines randomized control trials or open-label trials completed during this period. RESULTS We identified 23 studies of folate supplements in various psychiatric disorders for critical review. Of these, 9 studies investigated the efficacy of folate supplements in major depressive disorders, 5 studies in schizophrenia, 6 studies in autism spectrum disorder, 2 studies in bipolar affective disorder and 1 study in attention deficit hyperactive disorder. The most consistent finding association of oral levomefolic acid or 5-methylfolate with improvement in clinical outcomes in mental health conditions as mentioned above, especially in major depressive disorder (including postpartum and post-menopausal depression), schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and bipolar affective disorder. Folate supplements were well tolerated. LIMITATION Our results are not representative of all types of studies such as case reports or case series studies, nor are they representative of the studies conducted in languages that are not in English or not translated in English. CONCLUSION Increasing evidence from clinical trials consistently demonstrate folate supplements, especially levomefolic acid or 5-methylfolate, may improve clinical outcomes for certain psychiatric diseases, especially as an adjunct pharmacotherapy with minimal side effects.
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Protective effects of lamotrigine and vitamin B12 on pentylenetetrazole-induced epileptogenesis in rats. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 118:107915. [PMID: 33743341 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Epileptogenesis is a process that includes molecular and cellular events that foster the establishment of hyperexcitable neuronal networks in the brain. Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling model in rodents has added new information to the knowledge about the pathogenesis of epilepsy and potential targets of novel antiepileptic agents. Evidence from animal and human studies suggests that oxidative and inflammatory events may play important roles in the initiation and maintaining seizure activities. Vitamin B12 has beneficial effects on the nervous system and presents pleiotropic effects with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory aspects. In the present study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that vitamin B12 and their combination with lamotrigine prevents behavioral deficits, hippocampal damage, oxidation, and proinflammatory state during epileptogenesis. Male rats were subjected to PTZ-induced epileptogenesis and pretreated with vitamin B12 (50 µg/kg) or Lamotrigine (LTG) (25 mg/kg) or B12 (50 µg/kg) + LTG (25 mg/kg). Vitamin B12 and its combination with LTG suppressed epileptogenesis and improved the performance of rats in the passive avoidance test. In addition, Vitamin B12 and its combination with LTG decreased levels of total oxidative status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and increased total antioxidant status (TAS) levels in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Furthermore, it reduced hippocampal neuronal damage. Current findings support the beneficial actions of vitamin B12 due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties during the course of disease.
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Kathiravan M, Kavitha S, Shanthi R. To determine the effect of long-term antiepileptic drug on the serum folate and vitamin B12 among epileptic patients. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4393. [PMID: 33623072 PMCID: PMC7902811 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83312-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to prevent anaemia caused on long-term phenytoin treatment among Epileptic patients. Therefore, two groups were categorised based on the duration of phenytoin namely, cases and control. The duration of Phenytoin treatment for case was > 2 years while control had < 1 year. The estimation of serum Folate and Vitamin B12 was carried out and the association between the deficiency of Vitamins with the duration of treatment were evaluated using Linear Regression Analysis. The statistical results shown that the mean value of Folate (2.61 ± 1.81) and the mean value of Vitamin B12 (284.68 ± 110.12) were considered to be low as the duration of Phenytoin treatment increases (> 2 years) compare to control with the Folate concentration of (7.01 ± 4.40) which was statistically significant (p < 0.000). The experimental results have proved that a long-term phenytoin treatment significantly affects the concentration of Folate and Vitamin B12 among the Epileptic patients vigorously.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kathiravan
- Department of Information Technology, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, 602105, India
| | - S Kavitha
- Department of Bio Chemistry, Government Chengalpattu Medical College, Chennai, 603001, India.
| | - R Shanthi
- Department of Bio Chemistry, Government Omandurar Medical College, Chennai, 600002, India
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Management of antiepileptic drug-induced nutrition-related adverse effects. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:3491-3502. [PMID: 32661886 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04573-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Although antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are mainstay of the treatment of epilepsy, they are associated with significant adverse effects. The present study reviews the adverse effects of AEDs on some of the nutrition-related issues, including bone health, body weight, glucose and lipid metabolism, vitamin homeostasis, antioxidant defense system, and pregnancy. This paper also provides some nutritional recommendations for people with epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy should be regularly evaluated with regard to their nutrition status and any possible nutritional problems. Daily intake of adequate amounts of all nutrients from various sources should be encouraged, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents, elderly, and pregnant women. When necessary, preventative or therapeutic supplementation with appropriate micronutrients could be helpful. Graphical abstract.
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Youness ER, Shady MMA, Abd Elaziz A, Galal E, El-Sonbaty M, El-Sonbaty MM, Masoud MM, Abu Elhamd WA. Association of folic acid, vitamin B12, and intelligence scores in epileptic children. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2020; 11:45-49. [PMID: 32356452 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2020.1747020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a serious childhood disease associated with cognitive impairment. Our aim was to investigate the possible association of serum folic acid, vitamin B12, and intelligence scores in epileptic children. A group of 30 children with established diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy for at least one year as well as another group of 30 nonepileptic healthy children as the control group were recruited for analysis. Cognitive performance was assessed by a battery of psychological tests that covers verbal and nonverbal intelligence. Serum B12 level was significantly lower in patients than the control group (264.17 ± 58.07, 450.55 ± 134.9, respectively). No significant difference was detected between patients and the control group regarding serum folic acid level. Verbal, performance, and total IQ were significantly lower in patients than the control group (83.2 ± 3.08 vs. 95.8 ± 6.22, 78.4 ± 10.68 vs. 91.3 ± 2.45, and 180.6 ± 6.58 vs. 93.5 ± 3.02, respectively). However, no significant correlation was detected in folic acid, vitamin B 12, and cognitive scores. Epileptic children were five times more at risk of having low IQ (verbal, performance, and total) < 85 than the control group (OR = 4.754, 95% CI 13.047-1031.316, p = .000). In conclusion, children with epilepsy might be at higher risk for cognitive dysfunction than normal children. No significant association was detected between cognitive performance and either folic acid or vitamin B12 in epileptic children receiving sodium valproate. Supplementation of those vitamins should be restricted to those with documented deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mones M Abu Shady
- Child Health Department, Medical Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ali Abd Elaziz
- Child Health Department, Medical Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Esam Galal
- Child Health Department, Medical Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Sonbaty
- Child Health Department, Medical Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa M El-Sonbaty
- Child Health Department, Medical Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M Masoud
- Medical Biochemistry Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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Mann A, Portnoy E, Han H, Inbar D, Blatch D, Shmuel M, Ben-Hur T, Eyal S, Ekstein D. Folate homeostasis in epileptic rats. Epilepsy Res 2018; 142:64-72. [PMID: 29571151 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Folate is involved in metabolic processes and it has been implicated in both aggravation and amelioration of seizures. The aim of the current work was to study the effect of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) on the plasma and brain concentrations of folate and on its uptake carriers in the brain - the reduced folate carrier (RFC), folate receptor α (FRα) and proton coupled folate transporter (PCFT). We utilized the rat lithium pilocarpine model for TLE. Approximately two months following status epilepticus, rats with spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) were sacrificed for brain and plasma folate concentration analyses and folate uptake carrier expression studies. RT-PCR and western blot analyses were utilized for quantification of folate carriers' mRNAs and proteins, respectively. The distribution of folate carriers in the brain was studied using immunohistochemistry. In the SRS rats we found lower plasma concentrations (10 ± 0.9 in control vs. 6.6 ± 1.6 ng/ml in SRS, P < 0.05), but preserved cortical and increased hippocampal levels of folate (0.5 ± 0.1 in control vs. 0.9 ± 0.2 ng/mg in SRS, P = 0.055). Hippocampus - to - plasma ratio of folate concentration was 3-fold higher in the SRS group, compared with the controls (0.13 ± 0.03 vs. 0.04 ± 0.02, respectively; P < 0.01). mRNA and protein levels of the folate uptake carriers did not differ between SRS rats and controls. However, immunofluorescent staining quantification revealed that the emission intensity of both RFC and FRα was elevated 8-fold and 4-fold, respectively, in hippocampal CA1 neurons of SRS rats, compared to controls (P < 0.01). PCFT was unquantifiable. If corroborated by complementary research in humans, the findings of this study may be utilized clinically for supplemental therapy planning, in imaging the epileptic focus, and for drug delivery into the epileptic brain. Further studies are required for better elucidating the clinical and mechanistic significance of altered folate balances in the epileptic brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniv Mann
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120 Israel.
| | - Emma Portnoy
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120 Israel.
| | - Hadas Han
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120 Israel.
| | - Dorrit Inbar
- Department of Neurology, Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
| | - Dana Blatch
- Department of Neurology, Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
| | - Miriam Shmuel
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120 Israel.
| | - Tamir Ben-Hur
- Department of Neurology, Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
| | - Sara Eyal
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120 Israel.
| | - Dana Ekstein
- Department of Neurology, Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
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