Valproate and palmitate binding to serum albumin in valproate-treated patients. Relation to obesity

Epilepsy Res. 1993 Sep;16(1):55-64. doi: 10.1016/0920-1211(93)90040-e.

Abstract

Binding of valproate and palmitate to serum albumin was studied in 29 valproate-treated epileptic patients. The results were compared with similar observations in a reference group of 43 non valproate-treated individuals. The binding affinity for palmitate was decreased (P < 0.0001) resulting in increased availability of long-chain fatty acids (P = 0.008) due to competitive valproate binding in the valproate-treated patients. The findings support a hypothesis on the pathogenesis of obesity as a complication of valproate treatment of epilepsy.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • Epilepsy / blood*
  • Epilepsy / complications
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Biological
  • Obesity / blood*
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / physiopathology
  • Palmitic Acid
  • Palmitic Acids / blood*
  • Protein Binding
  • Serum Albumin / metabolism*
  • Valproic Acid / blood*
  • Valproic Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified
  • Palmitic Acids
  • Serum Albumin
  • Palmitic Acid
  • Valproic Acid