Special Issue "Recent Advances in Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Approaches in Epilepsy"

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2023 | Viewed by 4632

Special Issue Editors

School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
Interests: neurobiology of epilepsy; neurotherapeutics; neurotoxicology and neurodegeneration
School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
Interests: neurobiology of epilepsy; ageing; electrophysiology of Brain; behavioral neuroscience, neurotoxicity
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
Interests: neurogenesis; aging; neurodegeneration; neuroinflammation; cognition

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting about 70 million population around the world. The major characteristics of this neurological disorder are the onset of sudden and recurrent seizures. The existing treatment options for epilepsy are limited to only relieving symptoms, but do not alter the progression of epilepsy. Furthermore, more than 30% of patients using existing antiseizure drugs are refractory to epilepsy and long-term use of these drugs can cause a plethora of adverse effects.

Investigating biomarkers and underlying mechanisms of epileptogenesis may address the detailed pathophysiology for the progression and development of epilepsy in patients. The identification of drugs and therapies to prevent epilepsy is critical, yet is unmet in current pharmacological approaches. Therefore, basic studies aiming at testing the potential antiepileptic properties of new molecules are greatly needed.

The main goal of this Special Issue is to present novel approaches from the clinical and basic research prospective about development and progression of epilepsy as well as to address disease-modifying strategies. Additionally, we aim to explore new pharmacological targets and strategies, so we can help for the development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent epilepsy and halt its progression.

Authors are invited to submit relevant original research articles and review papers. Research involving basic and clinical studies to understand the underlying mechanisms of epileptogenesis and its therapeutics is welcomed.

Dr. Chandra Prakash
Prof. Dr. Deepak Sharma
Dr. Pavan Kumar
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • pathophysiology of epilepsy: human and animal
  • underlying mechanism of epileptogenesis
  • animal models of epilepsy
  • antiepileptic drugs: classic and novel
  • antiseizure medications: novel therapeutic options
  • adverse effects of antiseizures drugs

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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Article
Dehydroepiandrosterone Attenuates Astroglial Activation, Neuronal Loss and Dendritic Degeneration in Iron-Induced Post-Traumatic Epilepsy
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(4), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13040563 - 27 Mar 2023
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Abstract
Iron-induced experimental epilepsy in rodents reproduces features of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) in humans. The neural network of the brain seems to be highly affected during the course of epileptogenesis and determines the occurrence of sudden and recurrent seizures. The aim of the current [...] Read more.
Iron-induced experimental epilepsy in rodents reproduces features of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) in humans. The neural network of the brain seems to be highly affected during the course of epileptogenesis and determines the occurrence of sudden and recurrent seizures. The aim of the current study was to evaluate astroglial and neuronal response as well as dendritic arborization, and the spine density of pyramidal neurons in the cortex and hippocampus of epileptic rats. We also evaluated the effect of exogenous administration of a neuroactive steroid, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), in epileptic rats. To induce epilepsy, male Wistar rats were given an intracortical injection of 100 mM solution (5 µL) of iron chloride (FeCl3). After 20 days, DHEA was administered intraperitoneally for 21 consecutive days. Results showed epileptic seizures and hippocampal Mossy Fibers (MFs) sprouting in epileptic rats, while DHEA treatment significantly reduced the MFs’ sprouting. Astroglial activation and neuronal loss were subdued in rats that received DHEA compared to epileptic rats. Dendritic arborization and spine density of pyramidal neurons was diminished in epileptic rats, while DHEA treatment partially restored their normal morphology in the cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain. Overall, these findings suggest that DHEA’s antiepileptic effects may contribute to alleviating astroglial activation and neuronal loss along with enhancing dendritic arborization and spine density in PTE. Full article
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Article
Retrospective Clinical Analysis of Epilepsy Treatment for Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy (A Single-Center Experience)
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010014 - 21 Dec 2022
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Abstract
Objectives: This retrospective cohort study investigated the clinical characteristics and seizure outcomes of patients aged 1–14 years with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) who were treated by different typologies of therapy. Methods: Four hundred and eighteen children with DRE were recruited from Sanbo Brain Hospital [...] Read more.
Objectives: This retrospective cohort study investigated the clinical characteristics and seizure outcomes of patients aged 1–14 years with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) who were treated by different typologies of therapy. Methods: Four hundred and eighteen children with DRE were recruited from Sanbo Brain Hospital of Capital Medical University from April 2008 to February 2015. The patients were divided into three groups: medication (n = 134, 32.06%), resection surgery (n = 185, 44.26%), and palliative surgery (n = 99, 23.68%) groups. Demographic characteristics were attained from medical records. All patients were followed up for at least 5 years, with seizure outcomes classified according to International League Against Epilepsy criteria. The psychological outcome was evaluated with the development quotient and Wechsler Intelligence Quotient Scale for children (Chinese version). Results: The most frequent seizure type was generalized tonic seizure in 53.83% of patients. Age at seizure onset in 54.55% of patients was <3 years. The most frequent etiologies were focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). West syndrome was the most common epilepsy syndrome. Favorable seizure outcomes at the 5-year follow-up in the medication, resection surgery, and palliative surgery groups were 5.22%, 77.30%, and 14.14%, respectively. The patients showed varying degrees of improvement in terms of developmental and intellectual outcomes post-treatment. Conclusions: Pediatric patients with DRE were characterized by frequent seizures, a variety of seizure types, and complex etiology. Recurrent seizures severely affected the cognitive function and development of children. Early surgical intervention would be beneficial for seizure control and prevention of mental retardation. Palliative surgery was also a reasonable option for patients who were not suitable candidates for resection surgery. Full article
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Review

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Review
Therapeutic Strategies to Ameliorate Neuronal Damage in Epilepsy by Regulating Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Neuroinflammation
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(5), 784; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13050784 - 11 May 2023
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Abstract
Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder involving spontaneous and recurring seizures that affects 50 million individuals globally. Because approximately one-third of patients with epilepsy do not respond to drug therapy, the development of new therapeutic strategies against epilepsy could be beneficial. Oxidative [...] Read more.
Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder involving spontaneous and recurring seizures that affects 50 million individuals globally. Because approximately one-third of patients with epilepsy do not respond to drug therapy, the development of new therapeutic strategies against epilepsy could be beneficial. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are frequently observed in epilepsy. Additionally, neuroinflammation is increasingly understood to contribute to the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Mitochondrial dysfunction is also recognized for its contributions to neuronal excitability and apoptosis, which can lead to neuronal loss in epilepsy. This review focuses on the roles of oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, NAPDH oxidase, the blood–brain barrier, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation in the development of epilepsy. We also review the therapies used to treat epilepsy and prevent seizures, including anti-seizure medications, anti-epileptic drugs, anti-inflammatory therapies, and antioxidant therapies. In addition, we review the use of neuromodulation and surgery in the treatment of epilepsy. Finally, we present the role of dietary and nutritional strategies in the management of epilepsy, including the ketogenic diet and the intake of vitamins, polyphenols, and flavonoids. By reviewing available interventions and research on the pathophysiology of epilepsy, this review points to areas of further development for therapies that can manage epilepsy. Full article
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Review
A Comprehensive Review on Anti-Inflammatory Response of Flavonoids in Experimentally-Induced Epileptic Seizures
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010102 - 05 Jan 2023
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Abstract
Flavonoids, a group of natural compounds with phenolic structure, are becoming popular as alternative medicines obtained from plants. These compounds are reported to have various pharmacological properties, including attenuation of inflammatory responses in multiple health issues. Epilepsy is a disorder of the central [...] Read more.
Flavonoids, a group of natural compounds with phenolic structure, are becoming popular as alternative medicines obtained from plants. These compounds are reported to have various pharmacological properties, including attenuation of inflammatory responses in multiple health issues. Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system implicated with the activation of the inflammatory cascade in the brain. The aim of the present study was to summarize the role of various neuroinflammatory mediators in the onset and progression of epilepsy, and, thereafter, to discuss the flavonoids and their classes, including their biological properties. Further, we highlighted the modulation of anti-inflammatory responses achieved by these substances in different forms of epilepsy, as evident from preclinical studies executed on multiple epilepsy models. Overall, the review summarizes the available evidence of the anti-inflammatory potential of various flavonoids in epilepsy. Full article
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