Clio Rubinos, MD, MS

Project Updates:

My research focuses on investigating whether adding high-dose pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) to anti-seizure medications can enhance GABAergic tone and achieve seizure cessation in patients with established status epilepticus.
To support this hypothesis, I am actively gathering additional data on the mechanistic relationship between pyridoxine and seizures or status epilepticus:
- I recently completed and submitted for publication a translational study examining the effects of moderate pyridoxine deficiency on neuronal function. The study used primary mouse neuronal cultures treated with amino-D-proline (ADP) to inhibit pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP), the active form of pyridoxine. The findings demonstrated that even a modest reduction in PLP increases neuronal activity and hyperexcitability, particularly under stress conditions like inflammation and low magnesium.
- Additionally, I secured funding to establish a biorepository for pyridoxine and other biomarkers to further explore the mechanistic link between pyridoxine and seizures. (start recruiting in 1 month)
- I am also in the process of conducting and finalizing a systematic review to assess the dosage of pyridoxine used in humans for managing status epilepticus.
These mechanistic studies will support a future clinical trial application evaluating pyridoxine supplementation alongside anti-seizure medications for managing established status epilepticus.

Araya Puwanant