Phenobarbital-induced CD4+ upregulation predicts seizure reduction in epilepsy
https://doi.org/10.58708/2074-2088.2025-3(35)-42-48
Abstract
In this prospective pilot cohort study (November–December 2024, Kadhimiya Hospital, Iraq), 40 patients (26 men, 14 women; ages 25-50) with confirmed epilepsy received oral phenobarbital (10 mg/mL, 12 weeks). CD4+ concentrations (ng/mL via ELISA after MACS isolation) and seizure frequency were assessed pre- and post-treatment. Paired t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlations were used (p<0.05 significant; effect sizes reported). CD4+ levels increased from 15,2 ± 4,3 ng/mL to 22,8 ± 5,6 ng/mL (p<0,001; Cohen’s d=1,35; 95% CI for difference: 5,9-9,3). Seizure frequency decreased by 78% (8,9 ± 3,79 to 1,93 ± 1,53; p<0,001; Cohen’s d=2,01). Posttreatment CD4+ inversely correlated with seizure frequency (r=-0,62, p<0,001; 95% CI: -0,78 to -0,40) and positively with clinical response (r=0,85, p<0,001; 95% CI: 0,75 to 0,91). Patients with CD4+ >22 ng/mL had 83% response rate versus 42% below. Females showed higher response rates (80% versus 73% males) despite lower CD4+ folds. Thus, PB is associated with CD4+ upregulation and seizure reduction, suggesting potential as a biomarker of therapeutic response.
About the Authors
M. Ghaith
Belarusian State University, ISEI BSU; Al-Kadhimiya Teaching Hospital
Iraq
Iraq
Minsk;
Alkadhmiya
A. G. Sysa
Belarusian State University, ISEI BSU
Belarus
Belarus
Minsk
E. P. Zhyvitskaya
Belarusian State University, ISEI BSU
Belarus
Belarus
Minsk
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Review
For citations:
Ghaith M., Sysa A.G., Zhyvitskaya E.P. Phenobarbital-induced CD4+ upregulation predicts seizure reduction in epilepsy. Medical and Biological Problems of Life Activity. 2025;(3):42-48. https://doi.org/10.58708/2074-2088.2025-3(35)-42-48
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