Role of different cytokines and seizure susceptibility: A new dimension towards epilepsy research

Epilepsy is a common health problem. Although variety of factors influence the incidence and prevalence of seizures, cytokines are considered to play an important role in seizures. Cytokines are also known to be involved in other neurodegenerative disorders. Proinflammatory cytokines like IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α and growth factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as well as anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and related molecules have been described in CNS and plasma of experimental models of seizures and clinical cases of epilepsy. There are reports suggesting more predispositions to seizures during inflammatory conditions like colitis, pneumonia and rheumatoid arthritis. These inflammatory cytokines and growth factors are also known to have dual roles in affecting seizure susceptibility. It remains to be seen if cytokine modulators can be therapeutically exploited for patients with inflammatory disorder and suffering from epilepsy.