Several lines of evidence indicate that neurotrophic factors (NTFs) could be key causal mediators in the development of acquired epileptic syndromes. At the same time, the trophic properties of NTFs suggest that they may be used for the treatment of epilepsy-associated damage. Accordingly, different NTFs, or even the very same NTF, may produce functionally contrasting effects in the context of epilepsy. Recent experimental evidence begins to shed light on the mechanisms underlying these contrasting effects. Understanding these mechanisms will be instrumental for the development of effective therapies that must be based on a careful consideration of the biological properties of NTFs. This review aims at critically evaluating new information emerging in this area and at discussing its implications in the prospect of clinical applications.
Angels and demons: neurotrophic factors and epilepsy
SIMONATO, Michele;
2006
Abstract
Several lines of evidence indicate that neurotrophic factors (NTFs) could be key causal mediators in the development of acquired epileptic syndromes. At the same time, the trophic properties of NTFs suggest that they may be used for the treatment of epilepsy-associated damage. Accordingly, different NTFs, or even the very same NTF, may produce functionally contrasting effects in the context of epilepsy. Recent experimental evidence begins to shed light on the mechanisms underlying these contrasting effects. Understanding these mechanisms will be instrumental for the development of effective therapies that must be based on a careful consideration of the biological properties of NTFs. This review aims at critically evaluating new information emerging in this area and at discussing its implications in the prospect of clinical applications.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
