REVIEW PAPER
Neuroprotective effects of some newer and potential antiepileptic drugs
 
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1
Department of Physiopathology, Institute of Agricultural Medicine, Lublin, Poland
 
2
Department of Pathophysiology, Skubiszewski Medical University, Poland
 
3
Department of Neurological Diseases, Institute of Medical Education, Kielce
 
4
Department of Neurology, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kielce, Poland
 
 
J Pre Clin Clin Res. 2007;1(1):1-5
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Experimental models of epilepsy or status epilepticus (SE) provide evidence that seizures result in diffuse brain damage. Other neurological conditions are also associated with neurodegeneration, for example, stroke, head injury and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, the neuroprotective effects of a number of newer or potential antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are considered in general in models of experimental epilepsy and ischemia. Among newer AEDs, felbamate, gabapentin, tiagabine and topiramate proved to be neuroprotective agents against seizure, or ischemia-generated neuronal death. The same profile of activity was presented by a potential AED, talampanel. Vigabatrin and levetiracetam were effective against ischemia-induced neurodegeneration, while their effects in seizure models were less consistent. It may be assumed that the neuroprotective effects of AEDs in models of epilepsy or SE may prevent continuous progression of epileptogenesis, thus improving the condition of epileptic patients. However, this possible association may not be that clear. There are data indicating that in spite of clear-cut neuroprotection in models of SE, the subsequent occurrence of spontaneous seizure activity was not prevented. There is also no significant correlation between neuroprotection in experimental ischemia and clinical data. Neuroprotection afforded by AEDs is evident. However, it is not still clear whether this can have a clinically relevant potential. The available clinical data on brain ischemia and AEDs are not encouraging. So far, there are no clinical data whether the neuroprotective effects of AEDs in experimental models of epilepsy possess any impact on the severity of epilepsy. It is possible that AEDs will prove effective in some chronic neurodegenerative diseases.
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