Evaluation of oxidant and antioxidant parameters in childreen and adolescent with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD is principally a genetic disorder, but environmental and biochemical factors also play a role in its etiopathogenesis. There are few studies evaluating the biochemical basis of ADHD. In our study we aimed to evaluate the probable changes of oxidative metabolism in ADHD.Children and Adolescents with ADHD (n:35) and case matched healthy contols (n:35) were recruited for the study. Venous blood samples were collected; oxidants levels and antioxidants activities were measured.NO and MDA levels of the patients were significantly higher than the controls. GSH-Px activities of the patients was significantly lower than the controls. Although CAT activities of the patients were higher than the controls, the difference was not statistically significant. SOD activities show no significant differences between the groups.Remarkable high levels of oxidants NO and MDA, and low GSH-Px activities suggest an oxidative stress in child and adolescents patients with ADHD. CAT activities may be increased compensatorily in response to increased oxidant levels.