Epilepsy and Treatment

Our aim is to explore a novel mechanism of potential teratogenicity of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) -altered expression of placental and systemic carriers for hormones, nutrients and medications. We have previously demonstrated that AEDs affect the expression and activity of placental uptake and efflux carriers for essential compounds, including folate and thyroid hormones,in a human placental cell line and in pregnant mice. This talk will present our recent findings on the effects of AEDs on the human placenta, with a focus on the most teratogenic AED, valproic acid. Identification of AED effects on the placental barrier and fetal exposure to xenobiotics and endogenous compounds could be a first step towards a more rational pharmacotherapy and supplemental therapy in pregnant women with epilepsy.