# Association of Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Polymorphisms with the Risk and Prognosis of Epilepsy in the Saudi Population: A Case–Control Study

## TL;DR

This study finds that specific genetic variations in voltage-gated potassium channels are linked to epilepsy risk and outcomes in the Saudi population.

## Contribution

The study identifies novel associations between KCNAB1 and KCNJ10 gene polymorphisms and epilepsy in a Saudi population.

## Key findings

- rs3755631 and rs4679773 in KCNAB1 are significantly associated with epilepsy risk.
- Multiple variants in KCNJ10 (rs2820585, rs946420, rs1186679, rs61822012, rs1186685) show significant correlations with epilepsy risk.
- Voltage-gated potassium channels influence both the risk and prognosis of epilepsy.

## Abstract

Background and Objectives: Epilepsy, known as an unprovoked seizure, arises from the human brain. Genetics plays a fundamental role in the development and progression of the disorder. This study aimed to investigate the influence of voltage-gated K+ channels on the risk of epilepsy. Materials and Methods: Several genetic variants were examined using PCR sequencing. This case–control study was conducted on 296 individuals who were diagnosed with epilepsy, in addition to 293 healthy participants. Results: This study revealed that within KCNAB1, both rs3755631 and rs4679773 are correlated with epilepsy, and the p-values = 0.04 for both allelic associations. In addition, regarding the KCNJ10 gene, we found that rs2820585, rs946420, rs1186679, rs61822012, and rs1186685 were significantly correlated with epilepsy risk (p-values = 0.034, 0.045, 0.021, 0.048, and 0.018), respectively. Conclusions: From the current study, we conclude that voltage-gated potassium channels can impact epilepsy risk and can also interfere with the prognosis of epilepsy.