Gene expression analysis in children with complex seizures due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 or rotavirus gastroenteritis
Mitsuru Tsuge1, Takashi Oka, Nobuko Yamashita
1Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan, powd4x0t@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp.
Insights
Pediatric complex seizures linked to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 show immune response gene differences, while rotavirus seizures involve stress response genes. These distinct molecular pathways may explain varied disease development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Viral infections are a known cause of complex seizures in children.
- Pathogenic distinctions between influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and rotavirus gastroenteritis in causing complex seizures are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare gene expression profiles in pediatric patients experiencing complex seizures due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 versus rotavirus gastroenteritis.
- To identify molecular differences contributing to the pathogenesis of viral-induced complex seizures.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression profiling of peripheral whole blood samples from pediatric patients.
- Comparison of gene expression between patients with and without seizures for both influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and rotavirus gastroenteritis cohorts.
- Pathway analysis to identify activated signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Significant differential expression of immune response-related transcripts in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09-associated complex seizures.
- Significant differential expression of stress response-related transcripts in rotavirus gastroenteritis-associated complex seizures.
- Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases within the T cell receptor signaling pathway observed in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 cases.
Conclusions:
- Gene expression profiles differ between complex seizures induced by influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and rotavirus gastroenteritis.
- Distinct immune and stress response gene dysregulation may underlie the varied pathogenesis of these viral infections leading to complex seizures.
Abstract:
Viral infections have been implicated as a cause of complex seizures in children. The pathogenic differences in complex seizures due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 or rotavirus gastroenteritis remain unclear. This study analyzed the gene expression profiles in the peripheral whole blood from pediatric patients with complex seizures due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 or rotavirus gastroenteritis. The gene expression profiles of ten patients (five with seizures and five without) with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and six patients (three with seizures and three without) with rotavirus gastroenteritis were examined. Gene expression profiles in the whole blood were different in complex seizures due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 or rotavirus gastroenteritis. Transcripts related to the immune response were significantly differentially expressed in complex seizures with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, and transcripts related to the stress response were significantly differentially expressed in complex seizures with rotavirus gastroenteritis. Pathway analysis showed that the mitogen-activated protein kinases in the T cell receptor signaling pathway were activated in complex seizures due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. Dysregulation of the genes related to immune response or stress response could contribute to the pathogenic differences of the complex seizures due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 or rotavirus gastroenteritis.
