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Evaluation of Orexin-A, Adiponectin and Apelin-13 Serum Levels in Children Diagnosed With Attention Deficit

Serdar Avunduk1, Ömer Başay2, Süleyman Demir3

  • 1Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Balıkesir Atatürk City Hospital, Balıkesir, Turkey.

International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience
|March 29, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children may be linked to lower adiponectin (HMWA) levels. This study found no significant differences in orexin-a or apelin-13 serum levels in children with ADHD.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with complex and unclear etiopathogenesis.
  • Neuropathological, genetic, and environmental factors are implicated in ADHD development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the serum levels of orexin-a, adiponectin (high molecular weight adiponectin - HMWA), and apelin-13 in the context of ADHD etiopathogenesis.
  • To explore potential correlations between these biomarkers and ADHD symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples from 37 children with ADHD and 35 healthy controls (aged 6-18) were analyzed using ELISA for orexin-a, adiponectin (HMWA), and apelin-13.
  • ADHD symptoms were evaluated using DSM-5 criteria, Conners Scales, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in serum orexin-a and apelin-13 levels were observed between ADHD and control groups.
  • A statistically significant reduction in adiponectin (HMWA) levels was found in preadolescent children (aged 6-11) with ADHD compared to controls, even after adjusting for age and BMI.
  • No correlation was found between orexin-a, apelin-13, or adiponectin levels and ADHD symptom severity or cognitive performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.

Conclusions:

  • Serum levels of orexin-a and apelin-13 do not appear to be significantly correlated with ADHD.
  • Decreased serum adiponectin (HMWA) concentrations may be associated with ADHD in preadolescent children.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of adiponectin in ADHD pathophysiology.
Abstract

Keywords:
HMWAadiponectinapelin‐13attention deficit hyperactivity disorderorexin‐a

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