Serum Levels of Nitric Oxide, SIRT1, MMP-9 and Telomerase in Children With Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome.

This study aimed to evaluate serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), telomerase, sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) and nitric oxide (NO) in children diagnosed with cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS). The sample included 22 children with 'pure' CDS and 42 healthy controls. Our findings indicated that serum levels of telomerase and SIRT1 were significantly elevated in the CDS group compared to the control group, while levels of MMP-9 and NO were significantly reduced. When adjusting for age and gender, the presence of CDS significantly predicted higher serum telomerase levels and lower serum MMP-9 and NO levels. However, it was not a significant predictor of serum levels of SIRT1. Additionally, the serum levels of telomerase and SIRT1 were positively related to the severity of daydreaming symptoms in the CDS group but not to sluggishness. This investigation is the first to explore serum levels of MMP-9, SIRT1, telomerase and NO in children with CDS. The results suggest that these biomarkers may serve as potential tools for diagnosing and monitoring CDS. Additional research is required to elucidate the relationship of these biomarkers to specific CDS symptoms, such as daydreaming and sluggishness.