Clock Genes Profiles as Diagnostic Tool in (Childhood) ADHD-A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Chronobiology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder.
• Disruptions in circadian rhythms are increasingly linked to ADHD, but molecular-level comparisons in children are limited.
• The circadian system involves behavioral, endocrine, and molecular feedback loops of core clock genes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare circadian rhythms at behavioral, endocrine, and molecular levels in children with ADHD versus controls.
• To investigate potential molecular markers for ADHD diagnosis.
• To extend previous findings on circadian rhythms in adults with ADHD to the pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• Utilized actigraphy for motor activity and light exposure assessment.
• Collected saliva samples for 24-hour cortisol and melatonin profiling.
• Analyzed clock gene (BMAL1, PER2) expression from buccal mucosa swabs.

Main Results:

• Identified significant differences in sleep onset and duration between children with and without ADHD.
• Observed distinct 24-hour cortisol secretion profiles in the ADHD group.
• Found altered expression levels of the core clock genes BMAL1 and PER2 in children with ADHD.

Conclusions:

• Circadian rhythm disruptions manifest at multiple levels in children with ADHD.
• Molecular analysis of circadian rhythms shows promise as a novel diagnostic tool for ADHD.
• These findings contribute to understanding ADHD pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets.