Fat drug can treat epilepsy

A substance produced by the body when using fat for fuel may be a new drug to treat epilepsy, experts say.

They identified fatty acids seem effective in the control of epilepsy.

Researchers in London have been conducting preliminary tests with fatty acid treatment report their findings in the journal Neuropharmacology.

The idea came about because of a special diet which is subjected to some children with a severe form of epilepsy and drug-resistant.

The so-called ketogenic diet is high in fat and low in carbohydrates and simulating aspects of fasting works by forcing the body to burn fat instead of carbohydrates.

Although often effective diet has been criticized because the side effects can be serious and potentially lead to constipation, hypoglycemia, growth retardation and bone fractures.

But researchers hope that identifying the fatty acids of the ketogenic diet to be effective in controlling epilepsy can develop a tablet for children and adults that offers similar control the disease without side effects.

Good candidates

In preliminary tests, scientists at the University and Royal Holloway University of London, say they identified fatty acids appear to be good candidates to perform that function.

Epilepsy is caused by irregularities in the brain's electrical activity.

Found that some of the fatty acids not only surpassed the effect of a drug to regulate epilepsy, called valproate animal seizure control but also showed less side effects.

But they add that more evidence is needed to determine whether the treatment is safe and effective in humans.

Professor Matthew Walker, Institute of Neurology, University of London, said that "Epilepsy affects over 50 million people worldwide and about one third of these have epilepsy not adequately controlled with our current treatments ".

"This finding offers a whole new approach to the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in children and adults," she adds.

"This finding offers a whole new approach to the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in children and adults"

Prof. Matthew Walker

Simon Wigglesworth, executive vice president of the organization Epilepsy Action , said that "we know that the ketogenic diet can be a highly effective treatment for children with difficult to control epilepsy and is beginning to be used in adults".

"The diet is high in fat and low in carbohydrates and dietary balance needs to be carefully controlled in each child. Though some manage to handle well the diet others find that it is unpleasant and difficult to follow."

"Children may also experience side effects such as constipation and weight loss," he adds.

"The identification of these fatty acids is an exciting advance. Research means that children and adults with epilepsy could potentially benefit from the science behind the ketogenic diet without dramatically altering your eating habits or experience unpleasant side effects."

"We look forward to seeing how this research progresses" adds Simon Wigglesworth.