A functional polymorphism in the prodynorphin gene promotor is associated with temporal lobe epilepsy.
The prodynorphin gene (PDYN) encoding the anticonvulsant peptide dynorphin is a strong candidate for a seizure suppressor gene and thus a possible modulator of susceptibility to temporal lobe epilepsy. We performed a case control association study in 155 patients with nonlesional temporal lobe epilepsy and 202 controls and found that PDYN promotor low-expression L-alleles confer an increased risk for temporal lobe epilepsy in patients with a family history for seizures. Irrespective of the familial background, L-homozygotes display a higher risk for secondarily generalized seizures and status epilepticus.
Stögmann
Elisabeth
E
Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Zimprich
Alexander
A
Baumgartner
Christoph
C
Aull-Watschinger
Susanne
S
Höllt
Volker
V
Zimprich
Fritz
F
D004745:Enkephalins / Q000235:genetics*; D004833:Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000235:genetics*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D004745:Enkephalins; D011498:Protein Precursors; C033660:preproenkephalin