Abstract
So far, research on epilepsy mechanisms has been designed mainly using animal models and tracking down molecular mechanisms underlying seizures in that model. While this approach is clearly valuable, it can be questioned if it is the best possible. One attractive alternative approach may stem from the consideration of epilepsy as a complex disease of a very complex organ, the brain. This short review summarizes data from analyses of the alterations in expression of microRNAs and their target messenger RNAs in a specific brain subregion, the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, in three experimental models of lesional epilepsy. The findings are discussed within the conceptual framework of complex systems.
Highlights
DEFINITION AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE EPILEPSIESThe term “epilepsy” refers to a collection of diseases of different etiologies, characterized by the spontaneous and unpredictable occurrence of seizures, i.e., of transient “signs and/or symptoms due to abnormal excessive and synchronous neuronal activity in the brain” [1]
According to this new classification, seizures are subdivided in focal onset, “when originating within networks limited to one hemisphere”; generalized onset, when “originating at some point within, and rapidly engaging, bilaterally distributed networks”; and unknown onset [2]
Focal onset seizures can be further classified based on awareness; based on the motor component; based on clinical evolution
Summary
The term “epilepsy” refers to a collection of diseases of different etiologies, characterized by the spontaneous and unpredictable occurrence of seizures, i.e., of transient “signs and/or symptoms due to abnormal excessive and synchronous neuronal activity in the brain” [1]. The classification of the seizures and of the epilepsies has been recently revised by the International League against Epilepsy [2, 3] According to this new classification, seizures are subdivided in focal onset, “when originating within networks limited to one hemisphere”; generalized onset, when “originating at some point within, and rapidly engaging, bilaterally distributed networks”; and unknown onset [2]. The epilepsies are classified on the basis of the onset of seizures in focal, generalized, combined focal and generalized, and unknown. Their etiology can be genetic, structural, metabolic, infectious, immune, or again unknown [3]
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