Modulation of antioxidant enzymatic activities by certain antiepileptic drugs (valproic acid, oxcarbazepine, and topiramate): evidence in humans and experimental models

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2013:2013:598493. doi: 10.1155/2013/598493. Epub 2013 Dec 17.

Abstract

It is estimated that at least 100 million people worldwide will suffer from epilepsy at some point in their lives. This neurological disorder induces brain death due to the excessive liberation of glutamate, which activates the postsynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors, which in turn cause the reuptake of intracellular calcium (excitotoxicity). This excitotoxicity elicits a series of events leading to nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activation and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Several studies in experimental models and in humans have demonstrated that certain antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) exhibit antioxidant effects by modulating the activity of various enzymes associated with this type of stress. Considering the above-mentioned data, we aimed to compile evidence elucidating how AEDs such as valproic acid (VPA), oxcarbazepine (OXC), and topiramate (TPM) modulate oxidative stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticonvulsants / chemistry
  • Anticonvulsants / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / metabolism*
  • Carbamazepine / analogs & derivatives
  • Carbamazepine / chemistry
  • Carbamazepine / pharmacology
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Enzymes / metabolism*
  • Fructose / analogs & derivatives
  • Fructose / chemistry
  • Fructose / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Oxcarbazepine
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Topiramate
  • Valproic Acid / chemistry
  • Valproic Acid / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antioxidants
  • Enzymes
  • Topiramate
  • Fructose
  • Carbamazepine
  • Valproic Acid
  • Oxcarbazepine