Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026

Author Spotlight: Obtaining High-Quality CSF and Blood Samples for Epilepsy Biomarker Discovery
Published on: September 1, 2023
Astrocytic Biomarkers in Epilepsy: A Critical Review on Clinical Utility and Mechanistic Implications
Ting-Rong Hsu1,2, Pei-Hao Chen1, Wei-Sheng Lin1,2
1Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 11217 Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in both children and adults, characterized by significant clinical heterogeneity and dynamic natural course. The pathophysiological roles of astrocytes in epilepsy have been increasingly recognized. Fluid biomarkers derived from astrocytes are actively studied in epileptic disorders, although their use remains limited in clinical practice. This review aims to compile and analyze clinical and experimental findings concerning astrocytic biomarkers in epilepsy and related conditions, with a focus on glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B). Herein we examine their roles in assessing seizure burden and temporal dynamics, explore their potential in distinguishing epileptic from psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, and discuss their therapeutic, prognostic, and mechanistic implications in the context of epileptic disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists

