Relationship between soluble intercellular adhesion molecules and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVE

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood-oneset psychiatric disease, characterized by excessive overactivity, inattention, and impulsiveness. In recent studies, it is emphasized that inflammation may have a role in ADHD. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there are associations between ADHD and serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecules (s-ICAMs) which have important role in inflammatory diseases. We also measured the levels of these molecules after treatment with oros-methylphenidate.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients diagnosed with ADHD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TR criteria and 18 healthy volunteer controls were included in this study. The levels of sICAMs were measured in the serum of the patients and healthy volunteers by ELISA kit as described.

RESULTS

The levels of sICAM-1 and sICAM-2 were significantly higher in patients compared with controls. The level of sICAM-2 was decreased significantly in group treated with oros-methylphenidate.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study pointing out the relationship between sICAMs and ADHD. The changes in sICAM-2 level may have a role in the effect mechanism of oros-methylphenidate, used for the treatment of ADHD.