A channel in the brain called dSlo2 suppresses the Seizures. This was demonstrated in their research by a team of scientists led by the professor Susan Tsunoda, of the laboratory of the Department of Biomedical Sciences of the Colorado State University.
The results of the study have been published in the scientific journal Journal of Neuroscience.
dSlo2: this is what the new research tells
Epilepsy, a chronic brain disease that causes seizures, affects approximately 50 million people worldwide. This condition, caused by excessive activity in some brain cells, is characterized by episodes of involuntary movement that can sometimes lead to loss of consciousness.
Seizures vary in frequency and can range from short muscle spasms to long convulsions. People with epilepsy can be physically injured while having seizures, tend to experience higher rates of anxiety and depression, and face an increased risk of premature death.
For decades it was thought that the dSlo2 channel might play a role in reducing the hyperactivity that causes seizures, but until now it hasn’t been tested. Using a fly model (Drosophila) and CRISPR technology, Tsunoda’s lab found that the dSlo2 channel actually plays a preventive and protective role during seizures.
In epilepsy and other seizure conditions, neurons in the brain become overexcited resulting in increased sodium ion levels. Nathan Byers, Ph.D. of biomedical sciences and co-author of the research, found that the dSlo2 channel, which is activated by excessive levels of sodium ions, calms this hyperactivity during seizures by releasing ions from potassium from neurons. And when the channel is missing, seizures worsen and become more frequent.
“Whenever too much sodium enters, these channels are present and activate immediatelyTsunoda said. “Now that we know this, we will take a closer look at the regulatory sites of the channel dSlo2 to see which are the most important for the suppression of crises “.
The genetic mutations that alter the channel dSlo2 have been associated with different types of epilepsy and could contribute to the severity of symptoms experienced by those suffering from this terrible disease. Better understanding how it works is critical to inform future research and the development of therapies that could help improve the quality of life of people suffering from certain types of epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries.It is estimated that up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live without seizures if properly diagnosed and treated.
The risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than in the general population General: Three quarters of people with epilepsy living in low-income countries are not getting the care they need. In many parts of the world, people with epilepsy and their families suffer from stigma and discrimination.
Seizure episodes are the result of excessive electrical discharges in a group of brain cells. Different parts of the brain can be the site of such discharges. Seizures can range from brief distractions of attention or muscle spasms to severe and prolonged seizures. Seizures can also vary in frequency, from less than 1 per year to several per day.
A seizure does not mean epilepsy (up to 10% of people worldwide have a seizure in their lifetime). Epilepsy is defined as having two or more unprovoked seizures.
Epilepsy is one of the oldest recognized conditions in the world, with written records dating back to 4000 BC. Fear, misunderstanding, discrimination and social stigma have surrounded epilepsy for centuries. This stigma continues today in many countries and can impact the quality of life of people with the disease and their families.
The characteristics of seizures vary and depend on where in the brain the disorder begins and how far it spreads. Temporary symptoms occur, such as loss of awareness or consciousness and disturbances in movement, sensation (including sight, hearing and taste), mood or other cognitive functions.
People with epilepsy tend to have more physical problems (such as fractures and bruises from seizure-related injuries), as well as higher rates of psychological conditions, including anxiety and depression.
Similarly, the risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than in the general population, with the highest rates of premature mortality found in low- and middle-income countries and rural areas.
A large proportion of the causes of death related to epilepsy, especially in low- and middle-income countries, are potentially preventable, such as falls, drowning, burns and prolonged seizures.
Globally, approximately five million people are diagnosed with epilepsy each year. In high-income countries, it is estimated that 49 per 100,000 people are diagnosed with epilepsy each year. In low- and middle-income countries, this figure can be as high as 139 per 100,000.
This is likely due to the increased risk of endemic conditions such as malaria or neurocysticercosis; the higher incidence of road accidents; birth-related injuries; and changes in medical infrastructure, the availability of preventative health programs and accessible care. Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries.
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