The number and periodicity of seizures induce cardiac remodeling and changes in micro-RNA expression in rats submitted to electric amygdala kindling model of epilepsy

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) are the main risk factor for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Also, among several mechanisms underlying SUDEP there is cardiac dysfunction. So, we aimed to evaluate impact of number on heart function and morphology rats with epilepsy. Rats were randomized into three groups: Sham (without epilepsy), 5 S, 10 S groups, referred as a total or GTCS, respectively. Epilepsy was induced by electrical amygdala kindling. The ventricular analyzed Langendorff technique challenged ischemia/reperfusion protocol. Cardiac fibrosis hypertrophy histology. We also metalloproteinases (MMP2 MMP9), ERK 1/2 phosphorylated ERK1/2 (P-ERK) western blot; microRNA-21 -320 RT-PCR; oxidative stress (TBARS, catalase activity nitrite) biochemical analysis. Only 5S group presented decreased values at before (baseline): intraventricular systolic pressure, developed positive negative dP/dt. During protocol, variation did not differ groups. Both 10S groups had increased cardiomyocyte compared Sham, but group, these alterations higher than group. microRNA-320 expression MMP9 P-ERK/ERK expression, nitrite content both Therefore, impair morphology, probably through microRNA modulation. continuation seems exert preconditioning-like stimulus that fails compensate tissue alteration.