Altered Biochemical Parameters in Saliva of Pediatric Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Oxidative stress is one of the common causes in etiopathogenesis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Hence, the salivary levels of protein thiols, ceruloplasmin, magnesium and pseudocholinesterase were estimated in children with ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD were identified using Conner's rating and DSM IV criteria. Saliva was collected and assessed for the levels of protein thiols, ceruloplasmin, magnesium and pseudocholinesterase, spectrophotometrically. It was also checked for pH and the flow rate was noted down. There was a significant increase (P < 0.001) in the salivary protein thiols and pseudocholinesterase levels in ADHD children when compared to controls. Ceruloplasmin levels did not show any significant change. Magnesium levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in cases when compared to controls. Further, a receiver operating characteristic curve for validity of the biochemical parameters in saliva of ADHD children indicated a sensitivity and specificity above 90% for protein thiols and magnesium values. Our study shows that protein thiols, magnesium, and pseudocholinesterase might have a role in the pathogenesis of ADHD and saliva can be effectively used as a non-invasive tool for evaluation of such children.

Increased oxidative stress in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

“…20 In another study, Archana et al found that protein thiols were increased in children with ADHD compared to controls, but ceruloplasmin, an antioxidant enzyme, was similar between the two groups. 19,36 Another study showed low MDA in ADHD patients, 19 where the presence of the disorder and the use of methylphenidate increased oxidative stress in experimental models. 37,38 For example, Martins et al showed that chronic exposure to methylphenidate induces oxidative damage in the brains of young rats, while Kawatani et al found that the urinary levels of acrolein-lysine, an oxidant molecule, were increased in children with ADHD compared to the controls in their study.…”

Oxidative Stress and ADHD

“…Because either genetic or environmental risk factors could increase the likelihood of oxidative stress, several authors have studied peripheral measures of oxidative stress in patients with ADHD. Some of these studies concluded that measures of oxidative stress were elevated among ADHD patients (Archana et al, 2012; Bulut et al, 2007; M. Ceylan, Sener, Bayraktar, & Kavutcu, 2010; M.…”

Serum Copper and Ceruloplasmin Levels in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

“…In our review of the literature, we did not encounter any studies investigating serum ceruloplasmin levels in children or adolescents. Ceruloplasmin levels in patients with ADHD have only been examined by Archana et al 29 . In their study, sputum samples of the patients were analyzed, and, consistent with our findings, there was no difference found between serum ceruloplasmin levels in patients with ADHD compared to healthy controls.…”