BDNF, proBDNF and proBDNF/BDNF ratio with electroencephalographic abnormalities in children with attention deficit
Mostafa M El-Saied1,2, Omneya Afify3, Ehab R Abdelraouf1,2
1Department of Research on Children with Special Needs, Institute of Medical Research and Clinical Studies, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.
Insights
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and subclinical epileptogenic discharges (SED) show lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, impacting cognitive function. Investigating SED and enuresis in ADHD is crucial for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Subclinical epileptogenic discharges (SED) may impact cognitive abilities in children with ADHD.
- The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its precursor proBDNF in ADHD requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum BDNF, proBDNF levels, and the proBDNF/BDNF ratio in children with ADHD.
- To assess the impact of SED on cognitive abilities and ADHD severity.
- To compare these measures between ADHD groups with and without SED, and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Participants included 30 children with ADHD and normal EEG (G1), 30 with ADHD and SED (G2), and 30 healthy controls (G3).
- Cognitive abilities and ADHD severity were assessed.
- Serum BDNF and proBDNF levels were quantified using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Children with ADHD and SED (G2) exhibited focal epileptogenic discharges.
- Lower BDNF levels were observed in both ADHD groups (G1 and G2) compared to controls (G3).
- A higher proBDNF/BDNF ratio was associated with lower BDNF levels.
Conclusions:
- Coexisting SED and nocturnal enuresis negatively affect cognitive processes in children with ADHD.
- Lower BDNF levels may be implicated in ADHD pathophysiology, particularly with SED.
- Interventions targeting cognitive enhancement in children with ADHD and SED are recommended.
Abstract:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with and without subclinical epileptogenic discharges (SED) have been suggested to negatively affect cognitive abilities of children with ADHD. The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its precursor proBDNF in ADHD is in need of being investigated. The aims were to evaluate the levels of serum BDNF, proBDNF and the proBDNF/BDNF ratio in addition to the potential impacts of SED on the children's cognitive abilities and the severity of ADHD. The included participants with ADHD were 30 children with normal electroencephalogram (EEG) (G1) and 30 children with SED (G2), together with 30 healthy children (G3). The cognitive abilities and severity of the disorder were evaluated. The biochemical measures were determined by ELISA. The presence of coexisting SED and nocturnal enuresis has led to a deleterious effect on cognitive processes but not on the severity. The focal epileptogenic discharge was the most common among children in G2. The levels of BDNF in Groups 1 and 2 were less than those in G3. The higher proBDNF/BDNF ratio could be related to the low BDNF levels rather than high proBDNF levels. The findings of this study highlight the importance of investigating the presence of SED and nocturnal enuresis in children with ADHD. Targeting strengthening of cognitive abilities in children with coexisting ADHD and SED is advised. The role of proBDNF in the pathophysiology of ADHD needs further investigation.
