Translocator Protein (18 kDa) Positron Emission Tomography Imaging As a Biomarker of Neuroinflammation in Epilepsy

Overview

Journal Neurol Sci

Specialty Neurology

Date 2024 Jun 16

PMID 38879831

Authors

Li Qin

Ling Xiao

Haoyue Zhu

Yangsa Du

Yongxiang Tang

Li Feng

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Increasing evidence indicate that neuroinflammation triggered by glial cells plays a significant role in epileptogenesis. To this effect, the overexpression of translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) in activated microglia and astrocytes has been identified as an inflammatory biomarker in epilepsy. It is now possible to quantify neuroinflammation using non-invasive positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of TSPO. With the advancement of radiotracers, TSPO PET has become an innovative tool in elucidating the "neuroinflammatory machinery" of drug-resistant epilepsy. Furthermore, TSPO PET has demonstrated potential in detecting MRI-negative epileptogenic zones (EZ) and provided an innovative perspective in epileptic medical treatment. This manuscript presents a comprehensive exploration of the neuroinflammatory mechanisms of epilepsy, alongside a thorough review of TSPO PET studies conducted in clinical and preclinical settings. The primary objective is to deepen our understanding of epilepsy progression and to establish TSPO PET as an effective monitoring tool for treatment efficacy.

Citing Articles

Hybrid PET/MRI Imaging of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose and 18-kDa Translocator Protein for Presurgical Localization in Refractory Epilepsy.

Zhang S, Hu J, Qi Z, Yao C, Cui B, Wang J CNS Neurosci Ther. 2025; 31(2):e70251.

PMID: 39915832 PMC: 11802325. DOI: 10.1111/cns.70251.

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