docosapentaenoic-acid and Attention-Deficit-Disorder-with-Hyperactivity

Epidemiological studies suggest that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) may be suitable as endophenotypes for ADHD. To be appropriated vulnerability traits, endophenotypes should be altered in unaffected relatives of index cases. Serum profiles of LC-PUFAs in unaffected relatives of ADHD patients remain understudied. The main objective of this study was to compare serum LC-PUFAs in ADHD patients, unaffected relatives of index cases, and general-population unaffected participants.. LC-PUFA profiles of 72 participants (27 ADHD patients, 27 unaffected relatives, and 18 general-population participants) were obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Groups were compared by parametrical statistics.. Unaffected females from the general population presented lower Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; p = .0012) and a-linolenic acid (ALA; p = .0091) levels compared with ADHD females and unaffected relatives. In addition, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/ALA and DHA/DPA ratios, addressing desaturase activity, were significantly lower in ADHD patients and unaffected relatives of ADHD patients in the female-subgroup (p = .022 and .04, respectively).. DHA/ALA, DHA/DPA, serum DPA, and serum ALA may be suitable as endophenotypes for ADHD women.

Topics: Adult; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Endophenotypes; Fatty Acid Desaturases; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Female; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Genetic Markers; Humans; Male; Middle Aged