News

An international scientific and practical conference titled “Key Aspects of Drug-Resistance Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Epilepsy: The Role of Genetic Research” has commenced at our university.

The conference was organized within the framework of the research projects AP23489425, “Study of the Genetic Profile of Patients with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy in the Turkistan Region,” and BR24992814, “Development of Innovative Technologies and Creation of Modern Infrastructure for the Sustainable Development of Southern Kazakhstan.”

The conference aims to provide an in-depth examination of the clinical, pathogenetic, and molecular genetic characteristics of drug-resistant epilepsy. It also seeks to explore modern diagnostic and personalized medicine approaches, share research findings, and strengthen professional ties between Kazakhstani and international specialists.

Representatives of the scientific and medical communities from Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, India, and Pakistan attended the event. The conference programme covers current issues in neurology, epileptology, medical genetics, and molecular biology.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Rector Zhanar Temirbekova said:

“Since its establishment, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University has worked tirelessly to train highly qualified medical professionals for the city and region of Turkistan, as well as for the country as a whole. In the university’s early years, although Turkistan was still a small district centre, highly qualified specialists came from Almaty and Astana and made a significant contribution to the development of medicine in this historic region.

“Our primary responsibility is to train competent and highly qualified professionals. The medical profession entails immense responsibility. The results of a doctor’s work may become apparent immediately or several days later. Teaching is an equally important profession. However, the fruits of a teacher’s labour may not become visible in a single day; they may emerge 10–15 years or even 50–60 years later. Therefore, doctors and teachers represent two professions of exceptional importance and responsibility to society.”

Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Gulnaz Nuskabayeva then stated:

“This conference is being held within the framework of a research project. As you know, drug-resistant epilepsy is relatively common in the southern region. We have therefore begun studying the pathogenesis of the disease—that is, its causes and mechanisms of development—as well as the factors contributing to resistance to treatment. This research was conducted with funding from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.”

Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Ugilzhan Tatykayeva added:

“Medicine is advancing every day and is constantly being enriched with new methods. Studying the pathogenesis of diseases makes it possible to develop new approaches to diagnosis and treatment. I am confident that the research presented and discussed at today’s conference will contribute to improving public health.”

Following the opening ceremony, the conference continued with a series of scientific sessions. Five sessions were organised to address current issues in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.

The first session focused on modern approaches to epilepsy diagnosis and treatment. Participants discussed the early detection of drug-resistant epilepsy, personalised treatment strategies, clinical approaches, and the results of molecular genetic research.

The second session, titled “Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Patients,” addressed the improvement of genetic diagnostics in neurology, maintaining remission through modifications to treatment approaches, the potential of pharmacogenomics, and the clinical significance of microRNAs in epilepsy.

The third session was devoted to contemporary treatment strategies and rare diseases. Participants discussed treatment options for drug-resistant epilepsy, the analysis of complex clinical cases, diagnostic procedures, strategies for the subsequent management of patients, and experience in studying rare diseases.

The fourth session, titled “Multidisciplinary Approaches and Molecular Research,” covered the multidisciplinary model for treating children with drug-resistant epilepsy, the pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation of medicinal plants, and the significance of genetic and epigenetic biomarkers. The presentations focused on integrating molecular research into clinical practice.

Following the scientific sessions, the conference continued with a poster session. Participants addressed personalised neurorehabilitation for complex forms of epilepsy, the analysis of clinical cases, the role of phenotypic models in optimising treatment strategies, genetic factors associated with metabolic syndrome, and pharmacogenomic issues.

The scientific conference provided an opportunity to discuss contemporary approaches to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, as well as to facilitate the international exchange of scientific knowledge and experience.

The conference will continue until 20 October.