Phenobarbital (PB) is one of the most important antiseizure drugs (ASDs) to treat canine idiopathic epilepsy (IE). The effect of PB on the taxonomic changes in gastrointestinal microbiota (GIM) and their functions is less known, which may explain parts of its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, especially its antiseizure effect and drug responsiveness or drug resistance as well as its effect on behavioral comorbidities. Fecal samples of 12 dogs with IE were collected prior to the initiation of PB treatment and 90 days after oral PB treatment. The fecal samples were analyzed using shallow DNA shotgun sequencing, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based dysbiosis index (DI), and quantification of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Behavioral comorbidities were evaluated using standardized online questionnaires, namely, a canine behavioral assessment and research questionnaire (cBARQ), canine cognitive dysfunction rating scale (CCDR), and an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) questionnaire. The results revealed no significant changes in alpha and beta diversity or in the DI, whereas only the abundance of Clostridiales was significantly decreased after PB treatment. Fecal SCFA measurement showed a significant increase in total fecal SCFA concentration and the concentrations of propionate and butyrate, while acetate concentrations revealed an upward trend after 90 days of treatment. In addition, the PB-Responder (PB-R) group had significantly higher butyrate levels compared to the PB-Non-Responder (PB-NR) group. Metagenomics of functional pathway genes demonstrated a significant increase in genes in trehalose biosynthesis, ribosomal synthesis, and gluconeogenesis, but a decrease in V-ATPase-related oxidative phosphorylation. For behavioral assessment, cBARQ analysis showed improvement in stranger-directed fear, non-social fear, and trainability, while there were no differences in ADHD-like behavior and canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) scores after 90 days of PB treatment. While only very minor shifts in bacterial taxonomy were detected, the higher SCFA concentrations after PB treatment could be one of the key differences between PB-R and PB-NR. These results suggest functional changes in GIM in canine IE treatment.

El objetivo de la investigación es explorar la resiliencia en personas diagnosticadas con epilepsia idiopática. Para tal fin, se desarrolló un estudio cualitativo de diseño fenomenológico, aplicando la técnica de la entrevista semiestructurada a una muestra de 10 participantes, 6 mujeres y 4 hombres, cuyas edades se situaron en el rango de 20 a 29 años. Los principales resultados muestran que los sesgos personales, la estigmatización, el desconocimiento de la sociedad sobre la enfermedad, la falta de reconocimiento de los participantes sobre la participación en actividades riesgosas y la aversión a la adherencia al tratamiento y su relación con los recordatorios familiares, representan amenazas significativas. Por otro lado, como principales competencias se encuentran el apoyo familiar y el proceso de adaptación a la enfermedad. Las principales conclusiones son: (1) Se comprende que existen riesgos significativos para su autonomía, (2) se identifican factores que representan una protección frente a los posibles riesgos, (3) cuentan con factores protectores que facilitan el crecimiento personal. / The aim of the research is to explore resilience in people diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. For this purpose, a qualitative study of phenomenological design was developed, applying the semi-structured interview technique to a sample of 10 participants, 6 women and 4 men, whose ages ranged between 20 to 29 years. The main results show that personal biases, stigmatization, unawareness by society about the disease, lack of recognition by participants about participation in risky activities and aversion to adherence to treatment and its relationship with family reminders represent significant threats. On the other hand, the main competences are family support and the process of adaptation to the disease. As conclusions: (1) It is understood that there are significant risks to their autonomy, (2) they have factors that represent a protection against possible risks, (3) they have protective factors that facilitate personal growth. / Tesis