Study of polymorphisms of CNR2, MAGL and DAGL genes in patients with epilepsy

Abstract

Epilepsy is a nervous system disorder that affects approximately 50 million people worldwide and is associated with changes in the excitability of neurons. Currently, there is no definitive cure for epilepsy. However, in recent years, cannabis has been successfully tested as an effective treatment for the management of epilepsy symptoms. The activity of the endocannabinoid system is one of the most important factors involved in the excitability of neurons. This system consists of several neurotransmitters, their receptors, and enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of these neurotransmitters. Also, the psychoactive effects of cannabis and the derivatives of this plant, including hashish and marijuana, are mediated by this system and play a role in many physiological processes such as appetite, pain, mood, memory, and injuries such as addiction, depression, and anxiety. The use of cannabis in the reduction and treatment of epilepsy has a long history, but the mechanism of the anti-epileptic effects of cannabis has not yet been precisely determined. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the polymorphism of the three main genes of the endocannabinoid system, the CNR2 gene, MAGL gene, and DAGL gene in patients with epilepsy, whose relationship has been determined in several mental and neurological disorders. Materials & Methods: In this case-control study, the polymorphism rs3741252 of the DAGL enzyme, rs2501432 of the CNR2 receptor, and rs604300 of the MAGL enzyme were evaluated in 250 patients and healthy individuals using the RFLP-PCR technique. Results: There was no significant relationship between rs3741252 polymorphism and epilepsy (p=0.628). No correlation was also found between rs604300 polymorphism and epilepsy (p=0.523). In the examination of the type of response to the drug, no significant relationship was found between the patient group and the control group for both polymorphisms. In the relation between MAGL polymorphism and seizure groups, a significant difference was observed in the female focal group (p=0.013).