Authors: Hamed Salmanzadeh, and Robert F. Halliwell
Frontiers in Pharmacology, 15 May 2024
Scientists use the hands-free Maestro Edge MEA system to investigate the antiseizure activity of fenamate NSAIDs in mature human stem cell-derived neuro-glial cell cultures in vitro
Research has shown that epileptic seizures can lead to brain cell loss and neuroinflammation, but promising neurotherapeutics may help to reduce these effects and improve long-term patient management. In this study, scientists use Axion's noninvasive Maestro Edge multielectrode (MEA) platform, along with other methods, to investigate the antiseizure activity of fenamates in mature human stem cell-derived neuro-glial cell cultures. Currently approved to treat pain and inflammation for a variety of health conditions, fenamates are a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibit cyclooxygenase.
Overall, the researchers' findings support existing evidence that fenamates are a unique class of NSAID, as well as “subunit selective modulators of GABAA receptors with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, neuroprotective and antiepileptic properties.” Overall, the authors conclude that, “This well-established class of therapeutic drugs may therefore provide a novel insight and new approach to the treatment and management of epilepsy, stroke and neurodegenerative disorders in the future. Our study also supports the value and power of exploiting mature human stem cell-derived neuron-glial cells, in long-term culture, for the investigation of drug actions on the central nervous system.”
