Plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids and amino acids in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: correlations with clinical and cognitive features
Abstract
Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Metabolic profiles of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and amino acids have been linked to neurodevelopmental processes associated with ADHD. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare plasma levels of PUFAs and amino acids between medication-naive children with ADHD and typically developing (TD) children, after adjusting for multiple confounding factors, and explore their correlations with clinical symptoms and cognitive function.
Methods: A total of 102 medication-naive children with ADHD and 91 TD children were enrolled. Plasma concentrations of four PUFAs and seven neuroactive amino acids were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Group comparisons were performed using analysis of covariance adjusted for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), paternal education level, maternal education level, family annual income, only child status, and main caregiver of children. Correlation analyses and multiple testing corrections were also conducted.
Results: After adjustment for confounding factors, ADHD group had higher plasma glutamate (Glu) (median: 103.08 vs. 102.25 µmol/L, P=0.043). Tryptophan (Try) was positively correlated with the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham rating scale version IV (SNAP-IV) inattention scores (r=0.209, P=0.03). γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was negatively…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 91 participants or records.
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