The role of S100A9 and S100A4 proteins in the differential diagnosis of epileptic seizures and their relationship with physiological blood parameters

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease characterized by neuronal hyperexcitability and synchronized discharges, accompanied by complex pathophysiological mechanisms. Recent studies have revealed that epilepsy is not limited to neuronal-level electrical abnormalities but also that neuroinflammation plays a critical role in epileptogenesis. In this study, the levels of S100A4 and S100A9 proteins, which are important members of the S100 protein family, were evaluated in relation to the pathophysiology of epileptic seizures, and the associations of these protein levels with metabolic, hematological, and inflammatory blood parameters were investigated. This study was conducted on 90 patients aged between 18–65 who presented to the Emergency Department of Istanbul Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu City Hospital with symptoms of epileptic seizures, together with a control group consisting of 50 healthy individuals. The demographic characteristics, levels of consciousness, vital signs, and several physiological blood parameters (WBC, HGB, PLT, glucose, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, ALT, AST, CRP, lactate, CK, and serum creatine kinase levels) of the volunteers included in the study were examined. In addition, serum S100A9 and S100A4 levels were determined using the ELISA method. In the epileptic seizure group, significant increases in glucose, lactate, CRP, and potassium levels were observed compared to the control group (p<0.01). Serum S100A4 and S100A9 protein levels were found to be significantly decreased in the epileptic seizure group compared to the control group (p<0.01). In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the S100A4 and S100A9 proteins are involved in the pathophysiology of epileptic seizures. These findings highlight the importance of developing a multidisciplinary approach to the study and management of epilepsy.