School of Medicine

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Targeting Neuroprotection in Epilepsy by a Docosanoid

In an editorial update, the Nicolas Bazan lab just published in the journal Future Neurology highlights regarding the therapeutic potential of neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) for epilepsy. NPD1 is a docosanoid mediator because it is derived from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and displays neuroprotective and pro-homeostatic bioactivity. Emphasis is placed on depicting this docosanoid as a major cell survival mediator made “on demand.” This article also discusses ways to effectively deliver NPD1 to the brain, or to enhance its bioavailability, which could contribute to a therapeutic paradigm shift by enhancing the intrinsic potential of brain cells to protect and repair themselves in epilepsy.

Bazan NG and Musto AE. What is the therapeutic potential of neuroprotectin D1 for epilepsy? Future Neurology. 2015. Vol. 10, No. 5, Pages 395-400.  http://www.futuremedicine.com/toc/fnl/10/5