Nucleic acid aptamers for molecular therapy of epilepsy and blood–brain barrier damages

Abstract Epilepsy is the fourth most prevalent brain disorder affecting millions of people of all ages. Epilepsy is divided into six categories different in etiology and molecular mechanisms; however, their common denominator is inability to maintain ionic homeostasis. Antiepileptic drugs have a broad spectrum of action and high toxicity to the whole organism. In many cases they could not penetrate the blood brain barrier (BBB) and reach corresponding targets. Nucleic acid aptamers are a new and promising class of antiepileptic drugs as they non-toxic, specific and able to regulate permeability of ion channels or inhibit inflammatory proteins. In this review, we summarize mechanisms of epileptogenesis, its interconnection with the BBB and show the potential of aptamers for antiepileptic treatment.