Investigation of IFIT3 and KCNS3 Gene Expression Patterns in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Cryptogenic Epilepsy

Authors : Gülsima Özcan, Nur Damla Korkmaz, Seda Süsgün, Ferda İlgen Uslu, Emrah Yücesan

Pages : 151-158

Doi:10.53446/actamednicomedia.1621640

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Publication Date : 2025-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :ABSTRACT Objective: Epilepsy is a neurological disease characterized by recurrent seizures. Cryptogenic cases are those where there are no prior signs of brain damage and no clear etiology. The absence of an obvious causative pathology creates challenges in the clinical management of the disease. Gene expression studies aid in improved clinical care, in terms of providing a better sight into the etiology, or mechanisms of the disease. In this study, we examined the expression levels of IFIT3 and KCNS3 genes in peripheral bloods of cryptogenic epilepsy patients. Methods: Our study included cryptogenic epilepsy patients (n=20) and healthy controls (n=20). The peripheral blood samples of participants were collected, and total RNAs were isolated. Obtained RNA samples were converted into complementary DNAs (cDNAs). Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was conducted to measure relative expression levels of IFIT3 and KCNS3 genes. ACTB was assigned as the housekeeping gene. Results: Accordingly, the expression levels of KCNS3 were higher in the patient group (p<0.0001), while IFIT3 levels did not show a statistically significant difference in patients compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: These findings indicate that KCNS3, a potassium channel-related gene, may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of cryptogenic epilepsy. The lack of significant differences in IFIT3 expression further supports the hypothesis that channelopathy, rather than immune-related processes, is a more likely underlying mechanism in these patients.
Keywords : Kriptojenik epilepsi, kanalopati, gen ekspresyonu, protein etkileşimi

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