Modified ketogenic diet as an adjuvant nutritional strategy in the treatment of epilepsy: a translational approach with emphasis on controlling seizures

• Grant number: 20/08837-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2020
• End date: November 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition - Nutrition Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Nágila Raquel Teixeira Damasceno
• Grantee: Andrea Matheus Faccioli
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease that affects 50 million people worldwide, 20 to 30% have refractory epilepsy. Ketogenic diet, an adjuvant treatment, is composed of high lipid, adequate protein and low carbohydrate content. The epilepsy induced in animals by lithium pilocarpine (Li-Pilo) constitutes an animal model that can help to understand the effects and mechanisms involved in response to different treatments. Modifications on the dietetic fatty acids of a KD, prioritizing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, could reduce the frequency and number of seizures in Li-Pilo animal models, supporting previous results observed in clinical trials. Objectives: to evaluate the effect of a modified KD in rats with epilepsy induced by Li-Pilo, observing the number, type and frequency of seizures and aiming at the establishment of an animal model for epilepsy with good response to KD. Methods: there will 2 studies: Study 1, a longitudinal retrospective study with children and adolescents with refractory epilepsy undergoing a treatment using a modified KD. Patients' clinical and socio-demographic parameters will be evaluated in two moments: before the start of KD (T0) and after 6 months of treatment (T1); Study 2, a prospective study using rats with epilepsy induced by Li-Pilo and following a treatment using a modified KD with similar composition to that used in Study 1. The diet adherence and the number, duration and frequency of crises will be evaluated before (T0) and after 45 days of treatment (T1). Keywords: refractory epilepsy, ketogenic diet, pilocarpine, epileptic seizures.