Researchers have identified a link between brain function and a decrease in epileptic seizures

Scientists from Georgetown University Medical Center have warned that exposure to air pollution can have serious consequences for children's developing brains. However, a new study has shown that treatment using senotherapy — the removal of senescent cells — can reduce seizures and improve memory. This was reported on December 25 by Science Daily magazine.

"One third of people with epilepsy do not get rid of seizures with existing medications. We hope that senotherapy, which includes the use of drugs to remove senescent cells, can potentially minimize the need for surgery and/or improve outcomes after surgery," said the study's lead author, Ph.D., Professor and head of the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the Jerome H. School of Medicine and Professor of Pharmacology. Fleisha and Marlene L. Cohen by Patrick A. Forcelli.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (EVD) can occur for a variety of reasons, including head injuries, infections, brain tumors, and genetic diseases. EVD is the most common form of epilepsy, which is difficult to treat and affects about 40% of people with this diagnosis.

For the study, the researchers examined samples of donated human brain tissue surgically removed from the temporal lobes of patients with epilepsy. Comparing them with tissue samples from people without epilepsy, the scientists noticed that there were five times more senescent cells in the tissues of patients with ED, which indicates serious changes.

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Based on the results with human tissues, the scientists conducted experiments with mice. Two weeks after the injury that caused epilepsy, they found an increase in markers of cell aging at the level of genes and proteins. When the aged cells were removed, seizures decreased and memory improved. One third of the total number of mice did not develop epilepsy at all.

These studies are also important for understanding brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Research shows that aging of brain cells can lead to deterioration of memory, attention, and emotional regulation. As a result, it affects learning success and behavior.

"We are conducting research using other drugs that are not used for their intended purpose, which can affect aging, as well as research on other models of epilepsy in rodents. We would like to understand the critical periods for intervention in epilepsy, and hope that these studies will lead to the development of clinically useful treatments," Forcelli concluded.

On December 19, Science Daily reported the discovery of a new way to slow aging at the cellular level. According to the publication, this is facilitated by an increase in the efficiency of mitochondria. It was noted that this not only slows down the aging process, but also improves health and increases life expectancy.

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