POSSIBLE CHANGES IN THE EXPRESSION OF KLOTHO PROTEIN IN THE HIPPOCAMPUS, DUE TO PRENATAL EXPOSURE TO VALPROIC ACID

Valproic acid (VPA) is a drug used to treat epilepsy and as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder. Clinical studies associate the consumption of VPA during pregnancy with high risks for the profile which may include: developmental delay, cognitive impairments and autism, such effects can be observed both in humans and in animals whose mothers were exposed to VPA during the gestation. Klotho is an anti-aging protein, whose secreted form decreases with age. The reduction of klotho protein can cause damage to the central nervous system, such as: reduction of synapses and cognitive impairments. It’s possible that the suppression of klotho may be related to these central damages that the offspring exposed to VPA during the embryonic period presents, which may indicate a possible mechanism of action of VPA in the development of central deficits.