Scientists for the first time in history has succeeded in preventing the development of epilepsy, development of which was laid at the gene level. However, such success has been achieved only in laboratory with the mice, but doctors hope to carry out similar experiments in humans suffering from epilepsy.

According to the authors of the new methodology of the British University of Leeds,in many of the case the genetic background of epilepsy lies in the key gene ATP1a3, which controls the levels of sodium and potassium in cells of the brain. Previously, researchers have only suspected that the imbalance of these elements cause epileptic attacks, and now it is proven in practice.

“Low levels of potassium and sodium in the cells of the brain provoke epileptic attacks. We have been able to detect a gene that controls the levels of these elements. Affecting on it, we were able to raise the necessary levels of these elements,” – said the author of the study, Dr. Steve Klepkot, transmits CyberSecurity.

According to the researcher, in most cases, people have the roots of such diseases as epilepsy, rooted in genetic characteristics in the first place, and secondly, the chemical component of genes ATP1a3 in humans and mice is identical to 99%, more even levels of these elements in mice and humans in terms of conversion to each cell are approximately equal.

Now scientists role is to find the differences that have the human gene ATP1a3 in the brain cells, which are regulated by the levels of sodium and potassium.

“Epilepsy – is a very dangerous disease, but at the same time, suffering from epilepsy is very common. Every 200 th person on the planet suffer from epilepsy. Present anti epileptic drugs work only on 30% of epileptic cases,” – said Klepkot.

In the study, the specialists were able to establish what specific defect in the epileptic gene causes attacks. For the detection of defects doctors have used the reaction of brain cells in Valproic acid (the drug is often used as an antidepressant): in cells with a low content of potassium and sodium the reaction proceeds much more slowly. When the stimulation of gene was carried out, reaction rate considerably increased, and the signs of epilepsy almost disappeared. Furthermore, with the appearance of posterity in mice, the next generation was completely free from epilepsy.

“Our research – a new front in the fight against epilepsy. So far we have managed to overcome the disease in mice, but we are working on drugs for people. We are looking forward to achieve a promising result” – summarizes Doctor Klepkot.