Effects of epilepsy and valproic acid on oxidant status in children with idiopathic epilepsy

SummaryThe aim of this study is to evaluate the erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme levels in patients with newly diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy before treatment and in patients treated with valproic acid for idiopathic epilepsy. Twenty-four patients with newly diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy, 24 patients treated with valproic acid for idiopathic epilepsy and 21 healthy children were included in the study. Malondialdehyde as an indicator of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants enzymes including superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were measured in the erythrocytes. The levels of malondialdehyde were significantly lower and activity of superoxide dismutase was insignificantly higher in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy. Glutathione peroxidase levels did not differ between the groups. During treatment with valproic acid, lipid peroxidation increased but did not reach pathological levels. There was a positive correlation between superoxide dismutase activity and duration of valproic acid treatment. In conclusion, oxidant–antioxidant status is impaired in patients with primary idiopathic epilepsy and scavenger systems are activated to decrease lipid peroxidation. Valproic acid which is frequently used in childhood epilepsy may modify the balance between oxidant and antioxidant systems.