Comparison of Microbiome Composition and Biomarkers in Pharmaco Resistant and Pharmaco-Sensitive Epilepsy

Recent research suggests that the intestinal microbiota plays a central role in human health, and may play a role in a variety of central nervous system disorders, including seizure susceptibility. The microbiota has been shown to be associated with changes in factors relevant to neurotransmission, including neurotransmitter signaling, synaptic protein expression, long-term potentiation, and myelination. In addition to the microbiota's potential role in general neurotransmission, research suggests that the gut microbiome may differ between patients with pharmaco resistant and pharmaco-sensitive epilepsies. In support of this idea, ketogenic diet has been used as an alternative treatment for those with pharmaco-resistant epilepsy and there are indications of possible direct interactions of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) with the intestinal microbiota.