NeoPur · New treatments and novel diagnostic tests for neonatal seizures based on purinergic signaling.

New treatments and novel diagnostic tests for neonatal seizures based on purinergic signaling.

New-borns are predisposed to an increased risk of developing seizures following brain injury higher than in any other moment in a person´s life. Seizures in neonates, most commonly caused as a consequence of hypoxic-ischemic events occurring during birth, are recognized as a medical emergency and require rapid treatment. Mounting evidence from experimental models and clinical studies suggest seizures to be detrimental to the developing brain. Seizures in neonates may also cause increased mortality and a higher risk of adverse neurological outcomes. Consequently, the long-term health costs associated with seizures and neonatal brain damage are very high. To date, both diagnosis and treatment of neonatal seizures remain a clinical challenge with seizure misdiagnosis estimated to be as high as 50% and only every second patient responding to current therapies. The adenosine-triphosphate (ATP)-gated P2X7 receptor, a gatekeeper of inflammation has recently emerged as a promising target for seizure control, showing anticonvulsant and disease-modifying properties in animals. Moreover, recent data suggest a role for P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) during seizures in neonates. Purines are important extracellular signaling molecules, and act as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators. Released during pathological processes in the brain (e.g. seizures, inflammation) purines are also present in body fluids of humans making them very attractive as theranostic biomarkers of disorders of the central nervous system. The overall aim of NeoPur project is to establish P2X7R-targeting as novel treatment strategy for seizures in neonates and identify novel diagnostics for neonate seizures based on purinergic signalling. However, to bring P2X7R further towards a clinical application, we need evidence of seizure-induced release of ATP in the brain, we must determine what are the clinical outcomes of a genetic and pharmacological targeting of P2X7 during neonatal seizures and we must identify biomarkers to better identify patients suffering from seizures. NeoPur project has achieved most of its objectives and milestones for the period, with relatively minor deviations

Data: CORDIS, © European Union