The impact of microbiota and ketogenic diet interventions in the management of drug-resistant epilepsy.

Abstract

Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrolled seizures. It affects between 10%-40% of the patients with epilepsy worldwide. Drug-resistant patients have been reported to have a different microbiota composition compared to drug-sensitive patients and healthy controls. Importantly, fecal microbiota transplantations (FMTs), probiotic and dietary interventions have been shown to be able to reduce seizure frequency and improve the quality of life in drug-resistant patients. The classic ketogenic diet (KD) and its modifications may reduce seizures in DRE in some patients, whereas in others they do not. The mechanisms mediating the dietary effects remain elusive, although it is known that gut microbes play an important role in transmitting dietary effects to the host. Indeed, specific commensal microbes differ even between responders and non-responders to KD treatment. In this narrative mini-review, we summarize what is known about the gut microbiota changes and ketogenic diets with special focus on patients with DRE. By highlighting unanswered questions and by suggesting future research directions, we map the route towards future improvement of successful DRE therapy.