The Examination of Galectin-3 Levels in Children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder

The etiopathogenesis of ADHD involves genetic, environmental, psychological, and brain structural vari- ables. Inflammation is one ADHD etiology study field. Galectin-3 may enhance inflammation by inhibiting the anti- inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). This study examined the link between blood galectin-3 concentrations and ADHD severity and levels in children with ADHD. Methods: The clinic treated 34 first-time ADHD patients aged 5.2-14.1. Non-psychotropic first-time diagnoses were chosen. Patients were compared to 21 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. After a paediatrician exam, a psychi- atrist screens healthy controls for mental illness using the Schedule for Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia in School- Age Children, Now and Lifetime Version-DSM-5 (K-SADS-PL-DSM-5). Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) and Conners' Teacher Rating Scale( CTRS) were used for diagnosis by a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Results: Mean serum galectin-3 levels were compared between ADHD group and control groups. Serum galectin-3 level was 428.6 (SD±194.4) in the ADHD group and 183.7 ng/ml (SD±49.6) in the control group. ADHD group is found to have statistically significantly higher galectin-3 concentrations when compared to the control group (z=-5.15, p<.001). Conclusion: In our study, it was found that serum galectin-3 levels were higher in children with ADHD and there was a significant correlation between ADHD severity and serum galectin-3 levels. Based on these findings, it is thought that galectin-3 may be associated with the etiopathogenesis of ADHD.