title: The Diathesis-Epilepsy Model: How Past Events Impact the Development of Epilepsy and Comorbidities.
abstract: In epilepsy, seizures and comorbidities (e.g., cognitive deficits and depression) occur when specific thresholds are crossed. These thresholds depend on the diathesis (or vulnerability) of a given individual. The diathesis is controlled by multiple genetic and environmental factors. Diathesis changes over multiple timescales: on a daily basis, and as part of the development/aging processes, etc. The diathesis-epilepsy model introduced here provides a conceptual framework to understand how past events (e.g., a very stressful event) can directly influence the occurrence of epilepsy and comorbidities later in life. Experimental evidence supports this model, and the existence of biomarkers predictive of a vulnerability state have led to the development of preventive therapeutic strategies. Epigenetic modifications could be a key determinant of diathesis. Their role is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Aix Marseille Université, Inserm, INS UMR S 1106, 13005 Marseille, France.
authors.forename: Christophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bernard
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D012307:Risk Factors