Determination of plasma transcobalamin-II and zinc levels in newly-diagnosed and long-standing grand mal epileptic patients

Background: The changes of plasma transcobalamin-II (TCII) and Zinc (Zn) Levels in epileptic patients are not clearly understood. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the plasma contents of TCII and Zn levels in newly-diagnosed epileptic seizure patients, long-standing grand mal epileptic patients following treatment with sodium valproate and healthy control group.

Methods: Thirty patients aged 36.76±12.91 years with newly-diagnosed and thirty long-standing grand mal epileptic patients aged 35.56 ±12.77 years were diagnosed based on the clinical symptoms. The control subjects were picked out from healthy individuals and matched to the patients, aged 36.30 ±12.80 years. Plasma Zn and TCN-2 was evaluated via spectrophotometry at 546 nm and 450 nm, respectively, using chimerical kits.

Results: Plasma level of TCII in the newly-diagnosed epileptic seizures patients and long-standing grand mal epileptic patients were significantly increased, compared to the healthy controls [14.89 ±3.24 and 21.84± 2.73 vs. 9.55±1.24, (n=30)], respectively. Plasma level of Zn was decreased in the newly-diagnosed epileptic seizure patients, while it was increased in long-standing grand mal epileptic patients compared to the control group [69.28± 6.41 and 80.56 ±6.12 and vs.75.80±1.59, (n=30)], respectively.

Conclusion: This study suggests that sodium valproate may disrupt the homeostatic balance of TCII and Zn, and cause abnormality of their serum level in newly-diagnosed epileptic seizure patients and long-standing grand mal epileptic patients. Further research is recommended to identify the underpinning for these changes.