Seizure modulation by the gut microbiota and tryptophan-kynurenine metabolism in an animal model of infantile spasms.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The infantile spasms syndrome is an early-onset epileptic encephalopathy presenting in the first 2 years of life, often with severe developmental consequences. The role of the gut microbiota and metabolism in infantile spasms remains unexplored.

Methods

Employing a brain injury neonatal rat model of infantile spasms intractable to anticonvulsant medication treatments, we determined how the ketogenic diet and antibiotics affected specific microbial communities and the resultant circulating factors that confer spasms protection in the infantile spasms model. To confirm a role of kynurenine metabolism pathway in spasms protection, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 was pharmacologically inhibited and comprehensive metabolomics was applied.

Findings

We show that ant

SUBMITTER: Mu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8883001 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature