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Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid GABA into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
Insights into Potential Targets for Therapeutic Intervention in Epilepsy
Cecilia Zavala-Tecuapetla1, Manola Cuellar-Herrera2, Hiram Luna-Munguia3
1. Laboratory of Physiology of Reticular Formation, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery-MVS, Insurgentes Sur 3877, La Fama, 14269 Mexico City, Mexico.
Abstract:
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease that affects approximately 65 million people worldwide. However, despite the continuous development of antiepileptic drugs, over 30% patients with epilepsy progress to drug-resistant epilepsy. For this reason, it is a high priority objective in preclinical research to find novel therapeutic targets and to develop effective drugs that prevent or reverse the molecular mechanisms underlying epilepsy progression. Among these potential therapeutic targets, we highlight currently available information involving signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and zinc signaling), enzymes (carbonic anhydrase), proteins (erythropoietin, copine 6 and complement system), channels (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 (TRPV1) channel) and receptors (galanin and melatonin receptors). All of them have demonstrated a certain degree of efficacy not only in controlling seizures but also in displaying neuroprotective activity and in modifying the progression of epilepsy. Although some research with these specific targets has been done in relation with epilepsy, they have not been fully explored as potential therapeutic targets that could help address the unsolved issue of drug-resistant epilepsy and develop new antiseizure therapies for the treatment of epilepsy.
Insights
Over 30% of epilepsy patients develop drug-resistant epilepsy. Research is exploring novel targets like signaling pathways and proteins to develop new antiseizure therapies and address this challenge.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Epilepsy affects 65 million globally, with over 30% experiencing drug-resistant forms despite current antiepileptic drugs.
- Identifying novel therapeutic targets is crucial for managing epilepsy progression and drug resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review potential novel therapeutic targets for epilepsy, focusing on those that could overcome drug resistance.
- To highlight molecular mechanisms and pathways implicated in epilepsy progression and treatment resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical research on potential epilepsy therapeutic targets.
- Analysis of signaling pathways, enzymes, proteins, channels, and receptors investigated for antiseizure and neuroprotective effects.
Main Results:
- Several targets show promise, including Wnt/β-catenin, mTOR, zinc signaling, carbonic anhydrase, erythropoietin, copine 6, complement system, TRPV1 channel, galanin, and melatonin receptors.
- These targets demonstrate potential in seizure control, neuroprotection, and modifying epilepsy progression.
Conclusions:
- The identified targets offer potential avenues for developing new antiseizure therapies to combat drug-resistant epilepsy.
- Further exploration of these targets is warranted to fully address the unmet need in epilepsy treatment.
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