Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of the study was to evaluate the brain-derived proteins, extracellular matrix-derived protein and cytokines as potential peripheral biomarkers of different susceptibility to seizure development in an animal model of epilepsy evoked by chronic focal electrical stimulation of the brain.MethodsThe plasma levels of IL-1β (interleukin 1β), IL-6 (interleukin 6), UCH-L1 (ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase 1), MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9), and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) were assessed. The peripheral concentrations of the selected proteins were analyzed according to the status of kindling and seizure severity parameters. In our study, increased concentrations of plasma IL-1β and IL-6 were observed in rats subjected to hippocampal kindling compared to sham-operated rats.ResultsAnimals that developed tonic–clonic seizures after the last stimulation had higher plasma concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6 than sham-operated rats and rats that did not develop seizure. Elevated levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were observed in rats that presented more severe seizures after the last five stimulations compared to sham-operated animals. A correlation between plasma IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations was also found. On the other hand, the plasma levels of the brain-derived proteins UCH-L1, MMP-9, and GFAP were unaffected by kindling status and seizure severity parameters.ConclusionsThe plasma concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6 may have potential utility as peripheral biomarkers of immune system activation in the course of epilepsy and translational potential for future clinical use. Surprisingly, markers of cell and nerve ending damage (GFAP, UCH-L1 and MMP-9) may have limited utility.
Highlights
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders and can be initiated by many genetic and nongenetic factors
Post hoc test showed that IL-6 plasma levels were significantly higher both in animals submitted and resistant to electrical kindling than in sham-operated controls animals (T = 2.92, ν = 39, p = 0.003; T = 2.30, ν = 39, p = 0.01) (Fig. 2)
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether the peripheral levels of the brain-derived proteins UCH-L1 and Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), MCP-derived protein—Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), and inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β and IL-6, change in the course of kindling development and whether correspond to seizure severity parameters
Summary
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders and can be initiated by many genetic and nongenetic factors. The peripheral concentrations of the selected proteins were analyzed according to the status of kindling and seizure severity parameters. In our study, increased concentrations of plasma IL-1β and IL-6 were observed in rats subjected to hippocampal kindling compared to sham-operated rats. Results Animals that developed tonic–clonic seizures after the last stimulation had higher plasma concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6 than sham-operated rats and rats that did not develop seizure. Elevated levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were observed in rats that presented more severe seizures after the last five stimulations compared to sham-operated animals. The plasma levels of the brain-derived proteins UCH-L1, MMP-9, and GFAP were unaffected by kindling status and seizure severity parameters. Conclusions The plasma concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6 may have potential utility as peripheral biomarkers of immune system activation in the course of epilepsy and translational potential for future clinical use. Markers of cell and nerve ending damage (GFAP, UCH-L1 and MMP-9) may have limited utility
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
