Biofluid Biomarkers of Neuronal and Glial Injury in Epilepsy and Seizures: A Comprehensive Review
- 1Doctoral School, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Târgu Mures, Romania
- 2Neurology Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Târgu Mures, Romania
- 3Cardiology, Targu Mures Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases and Heart Transplantation, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders worldwide, affecting millions of individuals and imposing a substantial cognitive, psychological, social, and economic burden. Despite significant advances in epilepsy research, key questions remain unresolved regarding the mechanisms underlying drug resistance, cognitive impairment, depression, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, as well as the contribution of recurrent seizures in promoting neuronal and glial injury. Addressing these challenges requires reliable biomarkers capable of accurately reflecting disease activity and detecting ongoing brain damage. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on biofluid biomarkers of neuronal and glial damage in epilepsy and seizures and discuss their potential clinical relevance. Particular attention is given to biomarkers associated with major pathways involved in epileptogenesis, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, blood–brain barrier disruption, altered gene expression, and synaptic remodeling. Emerging evidence suggests that circulating and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers may provide valuable insights into seizure-related brain injury and the molecular mechanisms underlying epilepsy. Although none of these markers has yet been adopted in routine clinical practice, they represent promising tools for improving diagnosis, prognostic assessment, patient stratification, and the development of more personalized therapeutic strategies.
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BibTeX
@article{moroșanu2026biofluid,
title = {{Biofluid Biomarkers of Neuronal and Glial Injury in Epilepsy and Seizures: A Comprehensive Review}},
author = {Valentin Moroșanu and Smaranda Maier and Iulian Roman-Filip and Sergiu Moroșanu and Rodica Bălașa},
journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/ijms27198842},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/19/8842},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Biofluid Biomarkers of Neuronal and Glial Injury in Epilepsy and Seizures: A Comprehensive Review
AU - Valentin Moroșanu
AU - Smaranda Maier
AU - Iulian Roman-Filip
AU - Sergiu Moroșanu
AU - Rodica Bălașa
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/03
JO - International Journal of Molecular Sciences
DO - 10.3390/ijms27198842
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/19/8842
AB - Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders worldwide, affecting millions of individuals and imposing a substantial cognitive, psychological, social, and economic burden. Despite significant advances in epilepsy research, key questions remain unresolved regarding the mechanisms underlying drug resistance, cognitive impairment, depression, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, as well as the contribution of recurrent seizures in promoting neuronal and glial injury. Addressing these challenges requires reliable biomarkers capable of accurately reflecting disease activity and detecting ongoing brain damage. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on biofluid biomarkers of neuronal and glial damage in epilepsy and seizures and discuss their potential clinical relevance. Particular attention is given to biomarkers associated with major pathways involved in epileptogenesis, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, blood–brain barrier disruption, altered gene expression, and synaptic remodeling. Emerging evidence suggests that circulating and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers may provide valuable insights into seizure-related brain injury and the molecular mechanisms underlying epilepsy. Although none of these markers has yet been adopted in routine clinical practice, they represent promising tools for improving diagnosis, prognostic assessment, patient stratification, and the development of more personalized therapeutic strategies.
SN - 1422-0067
ER -