Nutraceutical Emulsions with Valproic Acid, study of the anticonvulsivant effect in zebrafish larvae epilepsy model

FEAS DANIELA; IGARTÚA DANIELA EDITH; ALONSO SILVIA DEL VALLE; PRIETO MARIA JIMENA

Salto

Congreso; Latin American Crosstalk in Biophysics and Physiology 2015; 2015

Seccional Biofísica de la Sociedad Uruguaya de Biociencias

Epilepsy is a chronic disease characterized by one or more neurological disorders which generates neurobiological, cognitive and psychological consequences as well as recurrent convulsions.The treatment for this disease involves Valproic Acid (VPA) because of its antiepileptic properties. However, previous studies have reported that VPA induces cognitive deficiencies and has teratogenic side effects. Furthermore, a supplementary diet enriched in essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) with antiepileptic drugs in epileptic patients can diminish convulsions frequency. The aim of this study was to develop oil in water (o/w) nutraceutical emulsions enriched in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids combined with VPA as antiepileptic drug. We expect to produce a synergic effect and to reduce the drug dose administration together with the side effects. To carry out these tests we developed a zebrafish larvae epileptic model by administration of Pentilenetetrazol (PTZ) (2.5 mM) inducing the epileptic seizures. The effect of VPA and nutraceutical emulsions combined with it was studied and compared in the epileptic model. The convulsions were studied through mobility patterns with an automated method that determines spontaneous movement of the treated larvae. It was determined that VPA (100 M) decreases significantly the larvae convulsions and is more efficient when compared to other commercial drugs. Also, it was observed that fatty acids in the emulsions modify the pharmacological effect of VPA and decreases even more the larvae convulsions.