Title:Insights into the Cellular Interactions and Molecular Mechanisms of Ketogenic
Diet for Comprehensive Management of Epilepsy
Volume: 20
Issue: 11
Author(s): Amit Kumar, Savita Kumari and Damanpreet Singh*
Affiliation:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, Dietetics and Nutrition Technology Division, CSIR- Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
Keywords:
Epilepsy-associated comorbidities, gut microbiota, mammalian target for rapamycin, medium-chain triglyceride, neuronal activity, vesicular glutamate transporters.
Abstract: A high-fat diet with appropriate protein and low carbohydrate content, widely known as
the ketogenic diet (KD), is considered as an effective non-pharmacotherapeutic treatment option for
certain types of epilepsies. Several preclinical and clinical studies have been carried out to elucidate
its mechanism of antiepileptic action. Ketone bodies produced after KD's breakdown interact with
cellular excito-inhibitory processes and inhibit abnormal neuronal firing. The generated ketone bodies
decrease glutamate release by inhibiting the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 and alter the
transmembrane potential by hyperpolarization. Apart from their effect on the well-known pathogenic
mechanisms of epilepsy, some recent studies have shown the interaction of KD metabolites with
novel neuronal targets, particularly adenosine receptors, adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium
channel, mammalian target of rapamycin, histone deacetylase, hydroxycarboxylic acid receptors,
and the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasomes to suppress seizures. The role of KD
in augmenting gut microbiota as a potential mechanism for epileptic seizure suppression has been
established. Furthermore, some recent findings also support the beneficial effect of KD against epilepsy-
associated comorbidities. Despite several advantages of the KD in epilepsy management, its
use is also associated with a wide range of side effects. Hypoglycemia, excessive ketosis, acidosis,
renal stones, cardiomyopathies, and other metabolic disturbances are the primary adverse effects observed
with the use of KD. However, in some recent studies, modified KD has been tested with
lesser side effects and better tolerability. The present review discusses the molecular mechanism of
KD and its role in managing epilepsy and its associated comorbidities.