Serum galectin-3 levels in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Objective Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with underlying pathogenesis and etiological factors not fully understood. We assumed that galectin-3, which is also linked with inflammatory responses, may play an important role in the ethiopathogenesis of ADHD. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether serum galectin-3 levels are related to ADHD in childhood. Methods The current study consisted of 35 treatment-naive children with ADHD and 35 control subjects. The severities of ADHD and conduct disorder symptoms were assessed via parent-and teacher-rated questionnaires. The severity of anxiety and depression symptoms of the children were determined by the self-report scale. Venous blood samples were collected and serum galectin-3 levels were measured. Results The ADHD group had significantly higher serum Galectin-3 levels than the control group. To control confounding factors, including age, sex, and BMI percentile, one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test was also performed. Analyses revealed a significantly higher serum log-Galectin-3 levels in children with ADHD compared to controls. No association was found between the mean serum galectin-3 levels and sociodemographic characteristics and clinical test scores, except the oppositional defiant behavior scores. Conclusion Our research supports the hypothesis that serum levels of galectin-3 might be related to ADHD.