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Predicting and treating stress-induced vulnerability to epilepsy and depression
Christel Becker1,2,3,4, Elodie Bouvier1,2,3, Antoine Ghestem5,6
1Mixed Unit of Research 119 (UMPC UM 119), Pierre and Marie Curie University-Paris 6, Paris.
Annals of Neurology
|April 15, 2015
Summary
Stressful events can increase epilepsy risk and associated conditions. This study shows that low brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) predicts vulnerability to epilepsy and comorbidities, which can be reversed with BDNF treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Epileptology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Accumulated stress can predispose individuals to epilepsy and comorbidities.
- Predicting and reversing this vulnerability remains an open question in scientific research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if social defeat stress induces vulnerability to epilepsy and comorbidities.
- To determine if this vulnerability can be predicted and reversed.
Main Methods:
- Social defeat stress was applied to rats.
- Seizure threshold, epileptogenesis, depression-like behavior, and cognitive deficits were assessed.
- Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were measured before status epilepticus (SE).
- A BDNF analog was administered to a subset of rats before SE.
Main Results:
- Social defeat induced a reduced seizure threshold, accelerated epileptogenesis, and depression-like/cognitive deficits in 50% of rats.
- Low serum BDNF levels before SE identified this vulnerable population.
- Treatment with a BDNF analog prior to SE prevented the development of comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- Vulnerability to epilepsy and associated comorbidities following stress is predictable via serum BDNF levels.
- Early intervention with BDNF analogs can potentially reverse this stress-induced vulnerability.
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