Upregulation of ACSL, ND75, Vha26 and sesB genes by antiepileptic drugs resulted in genotoxicity in drosophila

Clobazam (CLB) and Vigabatrin (VGB) are commonly used antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the treatment of epilepsy. Here, we have examined the genotoxic effect of these AEDs in <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>. The Drosophila larvae were exposed to different concentrations of CLB and VGB containing food media. The assessment encompassed oxidative stress, DNA damage, protein levels, and gene expression profiles. In the CLB-treated group, a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels was observed, alongside increased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and nitric oxide (NO). Conversely, the VGB-treated group displayed contrasting results, with increased ROS and LPO and decreased SOD, CAT, and NO levels. However, both CLB and VGB induced DNA damage in Drosophila. Proteomic analysis (SDS-PAGE and OHRLCMS) in the CLB and VGB groups identified numerous proteins, including Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain, NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 75 kDa subunit, V-type proton ATPase subunit E, ADP/ATP carrier protein, malic enzyme, and DNA-binding protein modulo. These proteins were found to be associated with pathways like growth promotion, notch signaling, Wnt signaling, neuromuscular junction (NMJ) signaling, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, and other GABAergic mechanisms. Furthermore, mRNA levels of ACSL, ND75, Vha26, sesB, and Men genes were upregulated in both CLB and VGB-treated groups. These findings suggest that CLB and VGB could have the potential to induce genotoxicity and post-transcriptional modifications in humans, highlighting the importance of monitoring their effects when used as AEDs.