Expression of HIF-1α, TFRC-1 and TIM-2 Relative mRNA Levels in PTZ-Kindling Model of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disease characterized by abnormal electrical activity and recurrent seizures in the central nervous system (CNS). Changes in hypoxia and iron metabolism can stimulate seizures through the CNS and cardiac system. Cardiovascular system disorders such as arrhythmias also accompany this process. It was aimed to examine the genes of TFRC-1 and TIM-2, which contribute to ion homeostasis by providing hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) -1 and intracellular iron flow, through the kindled model of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). HIF-1α, TFRC-1 and TIM-2 gene expressions were investigated in both brain and heart tissue by RT-PCR method. As a result of the data, TIM-2 expression significantly decreased in the brain (p<0.01) and cardiac ventricle tissue (p<0.05) in female rats. TFRC-1 gene expression decreased in female brain tissue (p<0.05). Our findings suggest that TFRC-1 and TIM-2 gene modulation may have therapeutic potential in epilepsy patients. In addition, TFRC-1 and TIM-2 genes may contribute to ferroptosis and oxidative stress mechanisms known to be associated with the seizure process by regulating iron transfer into the cell. It is crucial to conduct new studies on behalf of the future to elucidate iron metabolism in epilepsy through the TIM-2 and TFRC-1 genes.