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Lukovac T, Hil OA, Popović M, Jovanović V, Savić T, Pavlović AM, Pavlović D. Serum Biomarker Analysis in Pediatric ADHD: Implications of Homocysteine, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Ferritin, and Iron Levels. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:497. [PMID: 38671715 PMCID: PMC11048887 DOI: 10.3390/children11040497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The current diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is based on history, clinical observation, and behavioral tests. There is a high demand to find biomarkers for the diagnosis of ADHD. The aim of this study is to analyze the serum profiles of several biomarkers, including homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B12, vitamin D, ferritin, and iron, in a cohort of 133 male subjects (6.5-12.5 years), including 67 individuals with an ADHD diagnosis based on DSM-V criteria and 66 age-matched healthy boys (healthy controls, HC). Assessments for ADHD included the Iowa Conners' Teacher Rating Scale (CPRS) and the ADHDT test, as well as cognitive assessments using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) and the TROG-2 language comprehension test. Hcy and iron were quantified using spectrophotometry, while vitamin B12 and total 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were determined using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) and ferritin was measured using a particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay. The results showed significantly increased Hcy levels and decreased vitamin B12 levels in ADHD patients compared to HCs. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that Hcy is a potential prognostic indicator for ADHD. These results suggest that elevated homocysteine and decreased vitamin B12 may serve as markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Lukovac
- Center for Speech and Language Pathology Higia Logos, Mirijevski Bulevar 17 b, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Milka Popović
- Beo-Lab Laboratories, Resavska 58-60, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Vitomir Jovanović
- Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, Čika-Ljubina 18-20, 11102 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Tatjana Savić
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 142 Despot Stefan Boulevard, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Aleksandra M. Pavlović
- Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Belgrade, Visokog Stevana 2, 11102 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.M.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Dragan Pavlović
- Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Belgrade, Visokog Stevana 2, 11102 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.M.P.); (D.P.)
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Luo M, Wang T, Huang P, Zhang S, Song X, Sun M, Liu Y, Wei J, Shu J, Zhong T, Chen Q, Zhu P, Qin J. Association of Maternal Betaine-Homocysteine Methyltransferase (BHMT) and BHMT2 Genes Polymorphisms with Congenital Heart Disease in Offspring. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:309-325. [PMID: 35835902 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
To systematically explore the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of maternal BHMT and BHMT2 genes with the risk of congenital heart disease (CHD) and its three subtypes including atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in offspring. A hospital-based case-control study involving 683 mothers of CHD children and 740 controls was performed. Necessary exposure information was captured through epidemiological investigation. Totally twelve SNPs of maternal BHMT and BHMT2 genes were detected and analyzed systematically. The study showed that maternal BHMT gene polymorphisms at rs1316753 (CG vs. CC: OR = 1.96 [95% CI 1.41-2.71]; GG vs. CC: OR = 1.99 [95% CI 1.32-3.00]; dominant model: OR = 1.97 [95% CI 1.44-2.68]) and rs1915706 (TC vs. TT: OR = 1.93 [95% CI 1.44-2.59]; CC vs. TT: OR = 2.55 [95% CI 1.38-4.72]; additive model: OR = 1.77 [95% CI 1.40-2.24]) were significantly associated with increased risk of total CHD in offspring. And two haplotypes were observed to be significantly associated with risk of total CHD, including C-C haplotype involving rs1915706 and rs3829809 in BHMT gene (OR = 1.30 [95% CI 1.07-1.58]) and C-A-A-C haplotype involving rs642431, rs592052, rs626105, and rs682985 in BHMT2 gene (OR = 0.71 [95% CI 0.58-0.88]). Besides, a three-locus model involving rs1316753 (BHMT), rs1915706 (BHMT), and rs642431 (BHMT2) was identified through gene-gene interaction analyses (P < 0.01). As for three subtypes including ASD, VSD, and PDA, significant SNPs and haplotypes were also identified. The results indicated that maternal BHMT gene polymorphisms at rs1316753 and rs1915706 are significantly associated with increased risk of total CHD and its three subtypes in offspring. Besides, significant interactions between different SNPs do exist on risk of CHD. Nevertheless, studies with larger sample size in different ethnic populations and involving more SNPs in more genes are expected to further define the genetic contribution underlying CHD and its subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjun Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defect for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China.
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Senmao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinli Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengting Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiping Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianhui Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Shu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Taowei Zhong
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jiabi Qin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defect for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China.
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Changsha, China.
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Miniksar DY, Cansız MA, Kılıç M, Göçmen AY. Relationship between sleep problems and chronotypes of children and adolescents with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder and serum GABA, glutamate and homocysteine levels. Chronobiol Int 2022; 39:386-397. [PMID: 34961406 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2021.2018452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between chronotype, sleep problems and serum levels of GABA (gamma amminobutyric acid), glutamate and homocysteine in children and adolescents diagnosed with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as factors affecting this relationship. Sleep problems of 46 children and adolescents aged 7-18 years diagnosed with ADHD and 30 healthy volunteers aged 7-18 years were evaluated with Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) while chronotypes were evaluated with Children's Chronotype Questionnaire (CCQ). Serum glutamate, GABA and homocysteine levels were measured using immunosorbent test (ELISA) kits. Sleep problems were significantly more common in the ADHD group compared to the control group (p < .001). Serum GABA, glutamate and homocysteine levels were found to be predictor biomarkers for ADHD, independent of total sleep problem score. When the homocysteine levels were above the cut-off point of 9.445 µmol/L, the sensitivity in early diagnosis of ADHD was 84.8% and the specificity was 70.0%. Although ADHD is a disorder in which sleep problems are common, increased serum GABA, glutamate and homocysteine are important in diagnosing ADHD independent of ADHD-related sleep problems. Homocysteine levels may be an important predictor for the presence of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mahmut Kılıç
- Department of Public Health, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
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Kutelev G, Malyshkin S, Krivoruchko A, Ivanov A, Cherkashin D, Trandina A, Morozova N, Derevyankin D. Characterization of genetic polymorphisms associated with neurophysiological processes and analysis of their allele frequency distribution in the Russian population. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2022; 122:122-127. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2022122061122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Common and Unique Genetic Background between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Excessive Body Weight. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12091407. [PMID: 34573389 PMCID: PMC8464917 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Comorbidity studies show that children with ADHD have a higher risk of being overweight and obese than healthy children. This study aimed to assess the genetic alternations that differ between and are shared by ADHD and excessive body weight (EBW). The sample consisted of 743 Polish children aged between 6 and 17 years. We analyzed a unique set of genes and polymorphisms selected for ADHD and/or obesity based on gene prioritization tools. Polymorphisms in the KCNIP1, SLC1A3, MTHFR, ADRA2A, and SLC6A2 genes proved to be associated with the risk of ADHD in the studied population. The COMT gene polymorphism was one that specifically increased the risk of EBW in the ADHD group. Using the whole-exome sequencing technique, we have shown that the ADHD group contains rare and protein-truncating variants in the FBXL17, DBH, MTHFR, PCDH7, RSPH3, SPTBN1, and TNRC6C genes. In turn, variants in the ADRA2A, DYNC1H1, MAP1A, SEMA6D, and ZNF536 genes were specific for ADHD with EBW. In this way, we confirmed, at the molecular level, the existence of genes specifically predisposing to EBW in ADHD patients, which are associated with the biological pathways involved in the regulation of the reward system, intestinal microbiome, and muscle metabolism.
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Zhou P, Wolraich ML, Cao AH, Jia FY, Liu B, Zhu L, Liu Y, Li X, Li C, Peng B, Yang T, Chen J, Cheng Q, Li T, Chen L. Adjuvant effects of vitamin A and vitamin D supplementation on treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a study protocol for a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicentric trial in China. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e050541. [PMID: 34135055 PMCID: PMC8211063 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 7.2% of children in the world suffer from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Due to the availability of the osmotic-release oral-system methylphenidate, ADHD currently has a remission rate of up to 30.72%. Nevertheless, it has been reported that patients with ADHD tend to exhibit vitamin A and vitamin D deficiency, which may aggravate the symptoms of ADHD. This study aims to determine the effect of vitamin A and vitamin D supplementation as adjunctive therapy to methylphenidate on the symptoms of ADHD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a parallel, prospective, interventional multicentric study. Patients will be enrolled from the southern, central and northern parts of China. A target of 504 patients will be followed for 8 weeks. They will be allocated into three groups (vitamin AD, vitamin D and placebo) and administered the interventions accordingly. Data on changes in the symptoms of ADHD as well as changes in the serum concentrations of vitamin A and vitamin D will be recorded. Both responders and nonresponders based on the sociodemographic and clinical data will also be described to mitigate selection bias. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study is performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China (approval number: (2019) IRB (STUDY) number 262). The results of the trial will be reported in peer-reviewed scientific journals and academic conferences regardless of the outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04284059.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhou
- Division of Growth, Development and Mental health of Children and Adolescence, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorder, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Mark Lee Wolraich
- Section of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Ai-Hua Cao
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Brain Science Research Institute of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei-Yong Jia
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Liu
- Clinical Pharmacy Research, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Division of Growth, Development and Mental health of Children and Adolescence, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorder, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongfang Liu
- Division of Clinical Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Division of Growth, Development and Mental health of Children and Adolescence, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorder, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Child Care, The First People's Hospital of Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Peng
- School of Public Health and Management, Department of Health Statistics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorder, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorder, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Cheng
- Division of Growth, Development and Mental health of Children and Adolescence, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorder, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingyu Li
- Division of Growth, Development and Mental health of Children and Adolescence, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorder, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Chen
- Division of Growth, Development and Mental health of Children and Adolescence, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Health and Nutrition, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorder, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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Maj C, Chiarenza GA, Faraone SV, Miriam C, Gennarelli M, Bonvicini C, Scassellati C. Intermediate lengths of the C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion may synergistically contribute to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in child and his father: case report. Neurocase 2021; 27:138-146. [PMID: 33730968 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2021.1887275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We have summarized the abstract section as follows: "We report a son and his father affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They belonged to a larger cohort (116 ADHD children, 20 related parents, 77 controls) wholly genotyped forC9ORF72 expansion. Ten ADHD susceptibility genes were further investigated in the family. We revealed that son and father shared an intermediateC9ORF72 expansion and common variants inCDH23, ITGAE and MTRR. Bioinformatics highlighted aC9ORF72-MTRR interaction. This case-report underlines that in relatives with ADHD, carrying variants in ADHD susceptibility genes, the intermediateC9ORF72 repeats might have a potentially pathogenetic synergistic effect, supporting the multifactorial polygenic aetiopathogenetic profile of disease".
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Maj
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni Di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.,Istitute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Stephen V Faraone
- Department of Biomedicine, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Biomedicine, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ciani Miriam
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni Di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimo Gennarelli
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni Di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.,Section of Biology and Genetic, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cristian Bonvicini
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni Di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Catia Scassellati
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni Di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
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Rucklidge JJ, Eggleston MJF, Darling KA, Stevens AJ, Kennedy MA, Frampton CM. Can we predict treatment response in children with ADHD to a vitamin-mineral supplement? An investigation into pre-treatment nutrient serum levels, MTHFR status, clinical correlates and demographic variables. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 89:181-192. [PMID: 30217770 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intent-to-treat analyses from a randomized controlled trial showed significant between-group differences favouring micronutrient treatment on the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement, but no group differences on clinician, parent and teacher ratings of overall ADHD symptoms. There was an advantage of micronutrients over placebo in improving overall function, emotional regulation, aggression, and reducing impairment as well as improving inattention based on clinician but not parent observation. No group differences were observed on hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. We investigated predictors of response defined by pre-treatment variables. METHOD We conducted analyses of data from a clinical trial of children (7-12 years) with ADHD, whereby participants were randomized to receive micronutrients or placebo for 10 weeks followed by a 10 week open-label (OL) phase. We included only children who had been exposed to micronutrients for a full 10 week period and demonstrated satisfactory adherence, either in RCT phase (n = 40) or OL phase (those who received placebo during RCT phase; n = 31). Seven outcomes were examined: change in ADHD symptoms (clinician/parent), ADHD responder, overall responder, change in mood, change in functioning, and change in aggression. Demographic, developmental variables, current clinical and physical characteristics, MTHFR genotype at two common variants, and pre-treatment serum/plasma levels (vitamin D, B12, folate, zinc, copper, iron, ferritin, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and homocysteine) were all considered as putative predictors. RESULTS Substantial nutrient deficiencies pre-treatment were observed only for vitamin D (13%) and copper (15%), otherwise most children entered the trial with nutrient levels falling within expected ranges. Regression analyses showed varying predictors across outcomes with no one predictor being consistently identified across different variables. Lower pre-treatment folate and B12 levels, being female, greater severity of symptoms and co-occurring disorders pre-treatment, more pregnancy complications and fewer birth problems were identified as possible predictors of greater improvement for some but not all outcome measures although predictive values were weak. Lower IQ and higher BMI predicted greater improvement in aggression. CONCLUSIONS This study replicates Rucklidge et al. (2014b) showing the limited value of using serum nutrient levels to predict treatment response although we cannot rule out that other non-assayed nutrient levels may be more valuable. Additionally, no specific demographic or clinical characteristics, including MTHFR genetic status, were identified that would preclude children with ADHD from trying this treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia J Rucklidge
- Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | | | - Kathryn A Darling
- Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Aaron J Stevens
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Martin A Kennedy
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Yektaş Ç, Alpay M, Tufan AE. Comparison of serum B12, folate and homocysteine concentrations in children with autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and healthy controls. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2019; 15:2213-2219. [PMID: 31496704 PMCID: PMC6689552 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s212361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the serum concentrations of vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine concentrations were measured in 118 children (48 children diagnosed with ADHD, 35 children diagnosed with ASD and 35 healthy controls). Symptom severity in the ADHD and ASD groups was evaluated by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Turgay-DSM-IV-Based Screening and Assessment Scale for Disruptive Behavior Disorders. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to evaluate the effects of diagnosis and gender on biochemical parameters. RESULTS The ADHD and ASD groups and the healthy controls differed significantly regarding vitamin B12 and homocysteine concentrations, but not folate levels. Patients with ASD had the lowest vitamin B12 and the highest homocysteine levels. Vitamin B12 levels correlated negatively with hyperactivity and/orimpulsivity and oppositionality symptoms in children with ADHD. There were no relationships between psychometric evaluations and laboratory measurements in children with ASD. Gender did not affect vitamin concentrations. CONCLUSION Previous studies found that vitamin B12 was reduced while homocysteine was elevated among patients with ADHD and ASDs. Our results also support those reported previously. Oppositionality and hyperactivity and/orimpulsivity may be related to vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels in children with ADHD. Further studies are required to define the role of these parameters and effects on the etiology and clinical manifestations of ASD and ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Çiğdem Yektaş
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Düzce Üniversitesi, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Merve Alpay
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Düzce Üniversitesi, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Ali Evren Tufan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Acıbadem Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Istanbul, Turkey
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Lintas C. Linking genetics to epigenetics: The role of folate and folate-related pathways in neurodevelopmental disorders. Clin Genet 2018; 95:241-252. [PMID: 30047142 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that epigenetic dysregulation plays a role in neurodevelopmental disorders. In humans, folate is one of the main donors of the methyl group required for the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine, which in turn is needed for DNA and histone methylation as key neurodevelopment processes. Folate deficiency during pregnancy has been correlated with neural tube defects and with a higher incidence of neurocognitive and/or neurobehavioral deficits. A similar outcome may be exerted by gene polymorphisms in folate or folate-related pathways. This has been documented by numerous case/control association studies performed on neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In this regard, the folate cycle represents a "perfect model" of how genetics influences epigenetics. Gene variants in folate and folate-related pathways can be considered risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders and should therefore be assessed by genetic testing in pregnant women. High-risk women should be considered for folate supplementation during pregnancy. Here, we review all published case/control association studies on gene polymorphisms in folate and folate-related pathways performed on neurodevelopmental disorders, provide an overview of neurodevelopment and DNA methylation changes occurring at this time, and describe the biological basis of neurodevelopmental disorders and recent evidence of their epigenetic dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lintas
- Service for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
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