Assessment of Lipid Peroxidation and Serum Electrolyte Profile in Epileptic Patients Exposed on Anti-Epileptic Drugs

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common severe disorders of the brain and 50 million people are affected by epilepsy from all over the world. In the central nervous system (CNS) electrolyte homeostasis is crucial for the brain function. Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs) are neither protective nor healing but employed exclusively to control symptoms such as suppression of seizures. Objective: To assess lipid peroxidation and serum electrolyte profile in epileptic patients exposed on anti-epileptic drugs. Methodology: Fifty patients of epilepsy and ten age and sex-matched clinically apparently healthy individuals were eligible for inclusion in the study at Jinnah Hospital Lahore. 5.0 ml blood sample was taken from each individual and subjected to centrifuge at 3000-4000 rpm for 10-15 minutes for the separation of serum. The estimation of anti-oxidative biomarkers (SOD, MDA, GSH and CAT) and serum electrolyte profile (NA^+, K^+, Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺) were estimated. Results: The level of MDA in epileptic patients was increased remarkably (7.08±0.76) as compared to healthy individuals (1.67±0.19) and statistically significant (0.000<0.05). Mg⁺⁺ level was decreased in epileptic patients (1.44±0.21) as compared to control (1.68±0.20) and statistically significant (0.003<0.05). Serum sodium (Na⁺) level in epileptic patients was increased (1.64±9.9) as compared to control persons (1.38±5.97) and statistically significant (0.004<0.05). Conclusion: A relationship is present between oxidative stress, electrolyte profile and epilepsy. Lipid peroxidation level and sodium and potassium level is significantly elevated in epileptic patients as compared to control persons.