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Subject Area

Ophthalmology

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to determine DNA damage in epileptic children due to seizures and/or due to the most widely used antiepileptic drugs (valproic acid or carbamazepine). Background Epilepsy is a common neurological disease that requires early diagnosis and treatment. However, long-term use of antiepileptic drugs has been shown to cause oxidative damage to protein and DNA. Patients and methods We enrolled 15 epileptic patients receiving valproic acid monotherapy, 15 epileptic patients receiving carbamazepine monotherapy, 10 epileptic children with no treatment, and 10 control healthy children. Blood samples were collected from a peripheral vein into heparinized tubes and estimation of DNA damage in peripheral leukocytes by DNA fragmentation assay was carried out by DNA extraction and then gel electrophoresis. Results Epileptic children of both groups receiving carbamazepine or valproic acid monotherapy had significantly higher more DNA damaged cells than that of the control group P = 0.002 and 0.04, respectively. This indicate a significant DNA damaging effect of both CBZ and valproic acid monotherapy on human lymphocytes. No significant correlations were detected as regards the duration of treatment, dose, or serum level of drugs. No significant differences were found between epileptic patients' group not receiving antiepileptic drugs and the control group. Conclusion It can be concluded that patients on either valproic acid or carbamazepine monotherapy are at risk to develop significant DNA damage effects more than those without treatment, while epilepsy itself does not cause DNA damage.

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