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Modeling Mitochondrial Disease Using Brain Organoids: A Focus on Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like Episodes
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Modeling Mitochondrial Disease Using Brain Organoids: A Focus on Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like Episodes

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Association between stroke-like episodes and neuronal hyperexcitability in MELAS with m.3243A>G: A case report

Shota Sakai1, Masato Osaki1, Masaoki Hidaka1

  • 1Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, Steel Memorial Yawata Hospital, 1-1-1 Harunomachi, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 805-0050, Japan.

Eneurologicalsci
|September 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Stroke-like episodes in MELAS (mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes) are not fully understood. This case report suggests levetiracetam may effectively treat these episodes, potentially due to neuronal hyperexcitability.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Mitochondrial Diseases
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a rare mitochondrial disorder.
  • The exact pathophysiology of stroke-like episodes in MELAS remains unclear.
  • Neuronal hyperexcitability is a potential contributing factor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of MELAS presenting with stroke-like episodes.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of levetiracetam in treating these episodes.
  • To explore the role of neuronal hyperexcitability in MELAS pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a patient with MELAS.
  • Clinical observation and treatment with levetiracetam.
  • Review of relevant literature.

Main Results:

  • The patient experienced recurrent stroke-like episodes characteristic of MELAS.
  • Treatment with levetiracetam led to successful resolution of the stroke-like episodes.
  • The patient showed clinical improvement and stabilization.

Conclusions:

  • Levetiracetam can be an effective treatment option for stroke-like episodes in MELAS.
  • Neuronal hyperexcitability may be a key mechanism underlying these episodes.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise pathophysiology and optimal management strategies for MELAS.
Keywords:
HyperexcitabilityLevetiracetamMELASStroke-like episodes

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