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ObjectiveCopper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD) is downregulated in epilepsy, however, the role of Cu-Zn SOD in epilepsy remains unclear. MethodsBased on the pilocarpine hydrochloride-induced rat model of epilepsy, cortical-striatum brain slices of rats were examined based on field excitatory post-synaptic potentials. Pathological changes were observed by transmission electron microscope. Also using SH-SY5Y cells, flow cytometry and TUNEL staining were applied to investigate cell apoptosis, and ELISA was applied to detect SOD activity. In addition, qRT-PCR and western blot were performed to detect SCN2A/ Nrf2/ HO-1 gene and protein expression levels, respectively. ResultsCu-Zn SOD over-expression suppressed epilepsy in vivo. In addition, Cu-Zn SOD knockdown notably decreased SOD activity and induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, Cu-Zn SOD silencing decreased the levels of SCN2A, Nrf2 and HO-1. Lastly, Cu-Zn SOD was shown to modulate the NaV1.2/Nrf2/HO-1 axis in rats. SignificanceIn this model, Cu-Zn SOD attenuated epilepsy and was shown to alter the expression level of proteins of the NaV1.2 /Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway, indicating that Cu-Zn SOD might be a target for the treatment of epilepsy.