Exploring the correlation between serum α-synuclein and abnormal electroencephalography patterns in children with epilepsy, as well as electroencephalographic discharge index.

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the correlation between serum α-synuclein and abnormal electroencephalography patterns as well as the electroencephalographic discharge index in children with epilepsy.

Methods: Fasting venous blood of 4 ml were collected from the participants, centrifuged at 3000 rpm with a centrifuge radius of 15 cm for 20 min, and stored in a -70 °C freezer for serum α-synuclein examination. Normal EEG: Exhibits symmetrical α or β rhythm primarily in the occipital region.

Results: The electroencephalogram (EEG) examination results showed that out of the 110 children with epilepsy, 9 had normal EEGs, 35 had mild EEG abnormalities, 46 had moderate EEG abnormalities, and 20 had severe EEG abnormalities. It is noteworthy that the control group did not exhibit any abnormalities in EEG. In the epilepsy group, serum α-synuclein levels were higher than those in the normal group, while α-wave power and θ-wave power were lower than in the normal group (p < 0.05). Among children with epilepsy, those with mild EEG abnormalities, moderate EEG abnormalities, and severe EEG abnormalities had higher serum α-synuclein levels and electroencephalographic discharge indices compared to children with normal EEGs (p < 0.05). Additionally, among children with EEG abnormalities, those with mild, moderate, and severe EEG abnormalities had progressively increasing serum α-synuclein levels and electroencephalographic discharge indices (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Children with epilepsy exhibit elevated serum α-synuclein levels, and there is a positive correlation between α-synuclein levels and the grading of EEG abnormalities as well as the electroencephalographic discharge index.