| Summary: | Background: Ketogenic dietary therapies (KDT) are used as a treatment
in childhood epilepsy. However, their mechanism has not yet been established. The
main objective of this study was to determine the changes in the transcriptomic
profile induced by KDT in children with epilepsy in order to shed light on its
possible mechanisms. Methods: Eight children with refractory epilepsy
were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained
before and after the children were treated with KDT for a minimum of 6 months.
RNA was extracted and mRNA and miRNA profiling were performed and analyzed.
Results: Our intervention with KDT significantly reduced the seizure
number in seven of the eight paediatric patients treated and caused important
changes in their gene expression profile. Our study reveals modifications in the
transcription of 4630 genes and 230 miRNAs. We found that the genes involved in
the protection against epileptic crises were among those mainly changed. These
genes collectively encode for ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, and
synapse structural proteins. Conclusions: Together our results explain
the possible mechanisms of KDT and reinforce its clinical importance in the
treatment of epilepsy.
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