Investigation of Plasma TMAO Levels in Children and Adolescents with ADHD: A Cross-Sectional Study
Öz
Investigation of Plasma TMAO Levels in Children and Adolescents with ADHD: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background/Aims:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder among children and adolescents. Emerging evidence suggests a potential connection between gut microbiota-derived metabolites, such as Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and neuropsychiatric disorders. This study aims to examine plasma TMAO levels in children and adolescents with ADHD and to explore the relationship between TMAO levels and the severity of ADHD symptoms.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 96 participants aged 7 to 15 years, comprising 50 patients diagnosed with ADHD and 46 healthy controls. Plasma TMAO levels were determined using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The severity of ADHD symptoms was assessed using the T-DSM-IV-TR scale.
Results:
Plasma TMAO levels were significantly higher in the ADHD group compared to the control group (p=0.02). A positive correlation was identified between plasma TMAO levels and total T-DSM-IV-TR scores (p<0.001), indicating that higher TMAO levels are associated with increased severity of ADHD symptoms. However, no significant correlations were observed between TMAO levels and other subscale scores.
Conclusions:
This study indicates that elevated plasma TMAO levels in children and adolescents with ADHD may reflect a biochemical characteristic of the disorder. Additionally, the association between TMAO levels and ADHD symptom severity suggests that TMAO might play a role in the pathophysiology of ADHD.
Anahtar Kelimeler
ADHD, Trimethylamine N-oxide, gut microbiome, neurotoxicity, child and adolescent psychiatry
Kaynakça
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