NextBio

Help
Description: A fatty acid with anticonvulsant properties used in the treatment of epilepsy. The mechanisms of its therapeutic actions are not well understood. It may act by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in the brain or by altering the properties of voltage dependent sodium channels. [PubChem]
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved; Investigational
Pharmacology: Valproic Acid is an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug used primarily in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It is also used to treat migraine headaches and schizophrenia. In epileptics, valproic acid is used to control absence seizures, tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal), complex partial seizures, and the seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Valproic Acid is believed to affect the function of the neurotransmitter GABA (as a GABA transaminase inhibitor) in the human brain. Valproic Acid dissociates to the valproate ion in the gastrointestinal tract. Valproic acid has also been shown to be an inhibitor of an enzyme called histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). HDAC1 is needed for HIV to remain in infected cells. A study published in August 2005 revealed that patients treated with valproic acid in addition to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) showed a 75% reduction in latent HIV infection.
Mechanism of Action: Valproic Acid binds to and inhibits GABA transaminase. The drug's anticonvulsant activity may be related to increased brain concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, by inhibiting enzymes that catabolize GABA or block the reuptake of GABA into glia and nerve endings. Valproic Acid may also work by suppressing repetitive neuronal firing through inhibition of voltage-sensitive sodium channels.
Indication: For use as sole and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple and complex absence seizures, and adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types which include absence seizures.
Half Life: 9-16 hours
View Complete Description



Data Correlations | 9 studies

Help for Data Correlations View All
Genes category icon Genes
Score Help
ABAT 100 100
NR1D2 100 100
RGD1564083_predicted 96 96
KIF5C 95 95
ELOVL6 95 95
AGPAT1 93 93
View Top Genes
Biogroups category icon Biogroups
Score Help
Pyrimidine Metabolism 100 100
Pyridoxal phosphate-dependent trans… 100 100
RNA recognition motif, RNP-1 99 99
Pyridoxal phosphate-dependent trans… 99 99
Nucleotide-binding, alpha-beta plai… 99 99
Ribosome 98 98
View Top Biogroups

Individual Studies

  • Gene expression analysis of osteoblast genes regulated by histone deactylase inhibitors

    Mus musculus Mus musculus | RNA Expression   RNA Expression

    To identify other osteoblast genes that are altered early by HDIs, we incubated MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts with HDIs (trichostatin A, MS-275, or valproic acid) for 18 hours in osteogenic conditions.

    Authors: Westendorf J Jennifer, Schroeder M Tania, Nair K Aswathy et al.

    Organization: Mayo Clinic 200 First Street SW Rocheste…

  • Rat liver response to Clofibrate,Valproate and Diethylhexyl phthalate

    Rattus norvegicus Rattus norvegicus | RNA Expression   RNA Expression

    The project had 2 goals: 1) To evaluate the transcriptional response of 3 prototypical toxicants (Clofibrate, VPA, and DEHP) on rat lever. 2) To evaluate the impact pooling samples has on data analysis.

    Authors: Jolly RA, Goldstein KM, Wei T et al.

    Organization: Eli Lilly & Co. Integrative Biology 2001…
View All Individual Studies

Associated Researchers

Help for Associated Researchers

Thought leaders and organizations working on research involving valproate.

View All Author iconAuthors
  • Martin Michaelis
  • Jindrich Cinatl
  • Douglas A Melton
  • Pantel S Vokonas
  • Stefan Faderl
View All Clinical trial sponsors icon Clinical Trials Sponsors
  • Sanofi-Aventis
  • University Hospitals of Cleveland
  • National Institute of Cancerología
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
  • M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
View All Affiliations icon Organizations
  • Harvard University
  • University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
  • Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität
  • University of Oxford
  • University of Illinois at Chicago

Clinical Trials | 658 trials

Help for Clinical Trials View All

Community

Help for Community
View All NextBio Users | 1 person
NextBio Groups

  • No NextBio groups were found for “valproate”.
    Be the first to start a group and share your interests with others within the NextBio community.

© 2010 NextBio