The molecular hallmarks of epigenetic effects mediated by antiepileptic drugs

•Epilepsy is associated with epigenetic changes.•Some antiepileptic drugs mediate epigenetic changes.•Chromatin represents a target to control epilepsy.•Epilepsy and epileptogenesis are associated with some DNA modifications.•Drugs reactivating the expression of silenced genes represent a novel ther...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Epilepsy research 2019-01, Vol.149, p.53-65
Main Authors: Navarrete-Modesto, Victor, Orozco-Suárez, Sandra, Feria-Romero, Iris A., Rocha, Luisa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antiepileptic drugs
Chromatin
Epigenetics
Epilepsy
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Summary:•Epilepsy is associated with epigenetic changes.•Some antiepileptic drugs mediate epigenetic changes.•Chromatin represents a target to control epilepsy.•Epilepsy and epileptogenesis are associated with some DNA modifications.•Drugs reactivating the expression of silenced genes represent a novel therapeutic strategy in epilepsy. Epilepsy is associated with several epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and alterations in the synthesis and functioning of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Paradoxically, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) that are widely used to control epilepsy may also induce epigenetic modifications and alter the structure of chromatin. As a consequence, changes in the expression of various factors involved in the pathology of epilepsy may positively or negatively affect the course of the disease. It should be noted that while AEDs are widely used in the treatment of epilepsy and other neurological disorders, many of their epigenetic consequences are still unknown. Moreover, an improved understanding of AED-induced epigenetic alterations could provide new targets for future therapeutic interventions. In this review, we give a general overview of the current scientific evidence concerning the epigenetic effects of AEDs that are currently in clinic use and have been evaluated to date.
ISSN:0920-1211
1872-6844
DOI:10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2018.11.006