Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
Valproate-induced eosinophilia in children with epilepsy: role of interleukin-5
Alexandros C Makis1, Meropi Tzoufi, Maria D Kateri
1Department of Child Health, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ionnina, Greece. me00350@cc.uoi.gr
Insights
Sodium valproate therapy in children with epilepsy is linked to elevated Interleukin-5 (IL-5) levels, potentially causing eosinophilia. This increase in IL-5 may also contribute to valproate's effectiveness as an antiepileptic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Interleukin-5 (IL-5) plays a role in both eosinophil development and neural processes.
- Epilepsy treatment often involves medications that can have immune-related side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum Interleukin-5 (IL-5) levels and sodium valproate monotherapy in children with epilepsy.
- To compare IL-5 levels in children on valproate with those on carbamazepine and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Serum IL-5 levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- The study included 68 children with epilepsy on valproate, 14 on carbamazepine, and 60 healthy controls.
- Eosinophil counts and clinical response to valproate were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Children on valproate showed significantly higher IL-5 levels compared to carbamazepine users and controls.
- Eosinophilia was present in 35.3% of valproate users, with higher IL-5 levels observed in this subgroup.
- Elevated IL-5 levels were also noted in valproate users without eosinophilia, and a majority of valproate responders exhibited high IL-5 levels.
Conclusions:
- Sodium valproate may induce eosinophilia by stimulating IL-5 production.
- Elevated IL-5 levels in valproate users, even without eosinophilia, suggest a potential role in the drug's antiepileptic mechanism.
Abstract:
Interleukin-5 contributes both in eosinophilopoiesis and neural development. Serum interleukin-5 levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique in 68 children with epilepsy receiving sodium valproate monotherapy and compared with the levels of 60 healthy controls and 14 children with epilepsy receiving carbamazepine. Eosinophilia was observed in 35.3% of children receiving valproate. Interleukin-5 in valproate users was significantly higher compared with children receiving carbamazepine and controls. Valproate users who exhibited eosinophilia had higher interleukin-5 levels compared with those without eosinophilia. However, the interleukin-5 level was also elevated, although to a lesser degree, in children without eosinophilia. The majority of valproate responders had high interleukin-5 levels. A positive correlation between interleukin-5 levels and the eosinophil count was also noted. We postulate that valproate contributes to the pathogenesis of eosinophilia, probably inducing interleukin-5 production. The finding that serum interleukin-5 was significantly elevated in valproate responders and even in valproate users without eosinophilia suggests that the increase in interleukin-5 might represent one of valproate's antiepileptic mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
01:18Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...