Heterogeneity in INF-γ Levels Among Children with Different Types of Epilepsy

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is the most frequent chronic neurologic disorder of childhood, with a reported higher incidence in underdeveloped countries. The pathogenesis of epilepsy involves complex mechanisms that are still not fully understood. In recent years, researchers have shown increasing interest in understanding the role of inflammation in epilepsy. One such component of the neuroinflammatory cascade is Interferon-Gamma (IFN-γ), a pro-inflammatory cytokine known for its role in immune responses. However, recent studies have revealed that IFN-γ possesses multifaceted properties, including potential neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects. Multiple studies have reported elevated levels of IFN-γ in the serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain tissue of patients with epilepsy. The precise mechanisms through which IFNγ contributes to epilepsy remain incompletely understood. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare IFN-γ levels in drug-resistant epilepsy patients with those with well-controlled epilepsy and healthy controls. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 56 children: 20 with drug-resistant epilepsy, 20 with well-controlled epilepsy, and 16 healthy controls matched in demographic characteristics. Venous blood samples were collected from all participants for cytokine (chemokines, PGE2, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) analysis. Results: IFN-γ levels were not elevated in the study groups. The results indicate a considerable heterogeneity in IFN-γ levels among different types of epilepsy. The interquartile range (IQR) of targeted IFN-γ was lower in the drug-resistant epilepsy patients compared to well-controlled epilepsy and healthy control groups. Conclusions: The role of IFN-γ in epilepsies is complex and context-dependent. The precise role of IFN-γ in epilepsy warrants exploration; further research is needed to explore the current understanding of the relationship between IFN-γ and childhood epilepsy. The findings from this study may contribute to a better understanding of the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and could potentially support the development of novel therapeutic approaches targeting cytokine dysregulation in epilepsy.

Sarcopenia and anti‐seizure medication response in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

“…However, research regarding the relationship between sarcopenia and epilepsy is lacking. Dysfunction in mitochondria, neuromuscular signaling, endocrine factors, and inflammation play a significant role in the development of sarcopenia, which is more common in patients with epilepsy than in healthy individuals (Bakhtadze et al., 2021; Cruz‐Jentoft & Sayer, 2019; McNamara et al., 2017; Waldbaum & Patel, 2010; Yang et al., 2022). In addition, sleep disturbance is prevalent among patients with epilepsy, which is also considered one of the contributing factors to sarcopenia (Koike et al., 2023; Smith et al., 2022).…”