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Serum Occludin and Zonulin Levels in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Healthy Controls

Ali Çakir1, Hicran Dogru2, Esra Laloglu3

  • 1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey.

Indian Pediatrics
|February 14, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show elevated serum zonulin and occludin levels, suggesting a link to gut-brain axis immunological pathways. These findings correlate with behavioral issues in ADHD.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in neurological function.
  • Gut permeability markers, such as zonulin and occludin, are implicated in various inflammatory and neurological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate serum levels of zonulin and occludin in children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • To explore the potential association between these gut permeability markers and immunological pathways in the context of ADHD.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 40 medication-naïve children with ADHD and 39 healthy controls.
  • Serum zonulin and occludin levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
  • Correlations with behavioral assessments (Conners scale, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) and clinical factors were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Significantly higher serum zonulin and occludin levels were observed in the ADHD group compared to controls (P<0.001).
  • Serum zonulin levels positively correlated with weight, BMI, and ADHD-related behavioral scores.
  • Multiple regression analysis identified age, sex, weight, and specific behavioral sub-scores as predictors of elevated zonulin.

Conclusions:

  • This study confirms a significant association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and elevated serum zonulin and occludin levels.
  • The findings suggest a potential role for gut permeability and associated immunological dysregulation in ADHD pathophysiology.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the clinical significance and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these observations.
Abstract

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