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Changes in serum miRNAs following generalized convulsive seizures in human mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Rainer Surges1, Anita Kretschmann2, Khalid Abnaof3
1Department of Epileptology, University Hospital of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression and are involved in the pathomechanisms of epilepsy. MiRNAs may also serve as peripheral biomarkers of epilepsy. We investigated the miRNA profile in the blood serum of patients suffering from mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) following a single focal seizure evolving to a bilateral convulsive seizure (BCS) during video-EEG monitoring. Data of 15 patients were included in the final analysis. MiRNA expression was determined using Real Time-PCR followed by thorough bioinformatical analysis of expression levels. We found that more than 200 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the serum of patients within 30 min after a single seizure. Validation of the 20 top miRNA candidates confirmed that 4 miRNAs (miR-143, miR-145, miR-532, miR-365a) were significantly deregulated. Interestingly, in a sub-group of patients with seizures occurring during sleep, we found 10 miRNAs to be deregulated up to 20-28 h after the seizure. In this group of patients, miR-663b was significantly deregulated. We conclude that single seizures are associated with detectable transient miRNA alterations in blood serum in the early postictal phase. The significant upregulation of miR-663b following BCS arising during sleep indicates potential suitability of this miRNA as a potential biomarker for seizure diagnostics.
Insights
Single seizures cause temporary changes in blood serum microRNAs (miRNAs). Specific miRNAs, like miR-663b, may serve as biomarkers for diagnosing epilepsy seizures, especially those occurring during sleep.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial gene regulators implicated in epilepsy pathogenesis.
- Emerging evidence suggests miRNAs can function as peripheral biomarkers for epilepsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microRNA (miRNA) profile in blood serum following a single seizure in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE).
- To identify potential miRNA biomarkers for early seizure detection.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 15 mTLE patients were analyzed post-seizure using Real-Time PCR and bioinformatical analysis.
- Expression levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) were quantified and statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- Over 200 microRNAs (miRNAs) showed differential expression in serum within 30 minutes after a single seizure.
- Four miRNAs (miR-143, miR-145, miR-532, miR-365a) were significantly deregulated.
- In patients with nocturnal seizures, 10 miRNAs were deregulated up to 28 hours post-seizure, with miR-663b showing significant upregulation.
Conclusions:
- Single seizures induce transient alterations in blood serum microRNA (miRNA) profiles in the early postictal phase.
- The significant upregulation of miR-663b after nocturnal seizures suggests its potential as a biomarker for seizure diagnostics.
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