Trace element levels and investigations of their effects on thiol/disulphite status in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder

Etiology of Attention Deficiency and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is multifactorial. Some trace element levels and oxidant/antioxidant imbalance are some of the controversial factors in etiology. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the trace element levels and their effects on thiol/disulphite status in children with ADHD. Methods This study included a total of 35 children aged 6 to18 years who were diagnosed with ADHD and age, sex similar 31 healthy children. Toxic trace elements; lead(Pb), mercury(Hg) and cadmium(Cd) levels and esssential trace elements blood levels; calcium(Ca), magnesium(Mg), phophorus(P), iron(Fe), zinc(Zn) serum levels were analyzed. Serum total thiol, native thiol, disulphite levels and their ratios were analysed. Results This study included 9 girls and 57 boys, total of 66 participants, mean age was 10,8±2,8 years. Smoking during pregnancy was significantly higher in ADHD group (p=0,030). The native and total thiol levels of the patients with ADHD were significantly higher than the control group (p˂0,001). The Hg levels of the patients were significantly higher than the control group (p=0,002). Pb levels were not different between ADHD and control groups while Cd levels were significantly higher in control group (p˂0.001). Ca, Mg, P, Fe and Zn levels were not different between ADHD and control groups. Conclusion Maternal smoking during pregnancy and increase in blood Hg levels might be risk factors for ADHD. In ADHD patients in response to oxidation, anti-oxidant levels might increase. Keywords:Attention Deficiency and Hyperactivity Disorder, Heavy Metals, Oxidant/Antioxidant Status, Trace Elements