Valproic Acid for Cognition

Valproic acid, or valproate, is an anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Its antiepileptic properties were discovered by accident: valproic acid was used as a vehicle during investigations of other drugs for epilepsy. Vehicles are chemicals mixed in with the drug under study to improve solubility or some other property; vehicles themselves should not have any biologic activity. Valproic acid reduces electrical activity in the brain by “blocking” sodium channels. It actually slows the channels from reactivating the neuron after an electrical impulse. The drug also prevents calcium influx into neurons, which would also inhibit neuronal firing. All types of seizures can be treated with valproic acid. For bipolar disorder, the drug medicine is effective in reucing mania, probably because of a sedative effect. New research, however, has suggested that the antiseizure medications could also help in Alzheimer disease.(1)

Researchers studied the effects of valproic acid on the accumulation of beta amyloid protein in the brains of mice. This protein forms the basis of the plaques seen in the brains of people with Alzheimer disease. The study found that the drug reduced accumulation of the protein and prevented death and destruction of neurons when given in the early stages of Alzheimer-like manifestations in the model animals. Further, treatment prevented some of the decline in memory and performance usually seen in these meice. The results were promising enough to initiate a small clinical trial in people with Alzheimer disease.

Reference

1. Qing H, He G, Ly PT, Fox CJ, Staufenbiel M, Cai F, Zhang Z, Wei S, Sun X, Chen CH, Zhou W, Wang K, Song W. Valproic acid inhibits A{beta} production, neuritic plaque formation, and behavioral deficits in Alzheimer's disease mouse models. J Exp Med. 2008 Oct 27.

Coming Up On Monday…Purple Tomatoes

Caffeine and Fetal Growth Restriction

In the last post, I described research showing that flaxseed oil may cause premature birth. Continuing with the pregnancy theme, today I will describe some data that show caffeine can restrict fetal growth. The study was published in the British Medical Journal.(1)

In the study, researchers in the united Kingdom (UK) recruited 2635 low risk pregnant women. Caffeine intake from any source was determined for four weeks before and throughout pregnancy. Consumption of 100-199 mg caffeine per day (one to two cups of coffee), relative to less than 100 mg/day, was associated with a 20% increase in the risk of having children with growth restriction (a low birth weight). The risk increased 50% for those women who consumed 200-299 mg/day. The risk was increased 40% with over 300 mg/day of caffeine.

The authors of the study suggest that pregnant women minimize their caffeine consumption. The growth restriction is small, however, and is probably not significant for babies with average weights. The concern is more with babies who would be born small. The UK Food Standards Agency have paid attention to the results: they lowered their recommendation for caffeine intake for pregnant women from 300 mg/day to 200 mg/day.

Reference

1. CARE Study Group. Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and risk of fetal growth restriction: a large prospective observational study. BMJ. 2008 Nov 3;337:a2332.

Coming Up On Friday…Epilepsy and Alzheimer Disease

Flaxseed Oil and Pregnancy

Complementary and alternative medicine can be dangerous. The idea that natural products are safe is a misconception. One example comes immediately to mind: kava. This plant is used for depression and many other neurological disorders because of its sedative effects. However, the Food and Drug Administration has labeled it harmful to the liver. And now, recent research in women living in Quebec has shown that flaxseed oil may adversely influence pregnancy.

The study looked at natural product use during pregnancy. It found that The most commonly used products included chamomile (19$), green tea (17%), peppered mint (12%), and flaxseed oil (12%). The risk of premature birth in women taking flaxseed oil was 12%, whereas the risk in the general population is approximately 2%. The flaxseed seed and the other products examined did not influence gestation.

The authors suggest that more study is needed, but that the correlation is strong enough that women should reconsider flaxseed oil use if pregnant.


Coming Up On Wednesday…Caffeine and Pregnancy