Voltage-dependent anion channels mediated apoptosis in refractory epilepsy
Yan Zhao, Wenjing Jiang, Lin Ma, Yan Lin, Xing-Bang Wang
Abstract
Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) in mitochondria-mediated apoptosis of neurons in refractory epilepsy. Western blot analyses were carried out to detect the changes in cytochrome C , caspase 9, Bax, and Bcl-2. TUNEL assays were also carried out to investigate cell apoptosis under the upregulation and downregulation of VDAC1 with or without Bax or Bcl-2. VDAC1 induced Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase 9, increasing the release of cytochrome C . VDAC1 played an essential role in the apoptotic cell death of refractory epilepsy. It is concluded that VDAC1 plays an important role in refractory epilepsy and could be a possible therapeutic target of anti-epileptic drugs. The current study provides a new understanding of the possible mechanisms of refractory epilepsy.