Unveiling the Protective Potential of Sugammadex against PTZ-Induced Epileptic Seizures in Mice: A Comprehensive Study on Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Autophagy

Abstract

Sugammadex (SUG) is a modified γ-cyclodextrin molecule used in patients under general anesthesia to reverse the effects of neuromuscular blocking agents. Besides, recent studies have shown that SUG positively affects the nervous system. However, its effect on seizures is still unclear. The current study aimed to examine the effects of SUG on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced epileptic seizures in mice. The mice were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 was controlled, group 2 was administered saline (1 mL/kg serum physiologic), and Groups 3 and 4 were administered Sugammadex (150 and 300 mg/kg). Pentylenetetrazole (60 mg/kg) was given to induce seizures 30 min after saline or drug administration except for the control group. Total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels in the hippocampus and cortex were measured using a commercial kit. 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 4-hydroxynonenal (4‑HNE), 3,3 dityrosine, caspase-3, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and light chain 3 (LC3B) levels in the hippocampal CA1 region and cortex after seizures were evaluated immunohistochemical staining. SUG reduced seizure stages and increased epileptic seizure onset times. Moreover, it decreased TOS levels and increased TAS levels in the hippocampus and cortex. Besides, after seizures, it reduced 4-HNE, 3,3 dityrosandine, caspase-3, and LC3B immunohistochemical scores in the hippocampal CA1 region and cortex. SUG has protective effects on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice, alleviating seizures, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. The anticonvulsant mechanism of SUG may be related to the inhibition of the oxidative stress pathway.