Title:Vitamin D’s Molecular Action Mechanism in Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder: A Review of Evidence
Volume: 17
Issue: 4
Author(s): Ahmad Saedisomeolia, Mahsa Samadi, Fatemeh Gholami, Marzieh Seyedi, Mohammad Effatpanah, Rezvan Hashemi, Mina Abdolahi and Niyaz Mohammadzadeh Honarvar*
Affiliation:
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,Iran
Keywords:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, vitamin D, oxidative stress, inflammation, neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters.
Abstract: Background & Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous
disorder characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Children with ADHD have
challenges with learning, behavior and psychosocial adjustments, sometimes retained into adulthood.
The exact etiology of ADHD is unknown, and the pathophysiology of this disease is complex. Several
hypotheses have been raised regarding ADHD pathogenesis, including serotonergic and catecholaminergic
signalling pathway dysfunction, neurotropic-related factors, oxidative stress, or neuroinflammation.
Vitamin D has an important protective effect against inflammation, oxidative stress and certain neurotrophic
factors and neurotransmitter, as well as facilitating dopaminergic and serotonergic functions.
Vitamin D levels in children with ADHD are lower than in healthy children, and thus may be involved
in the pathogenesis of ADHD. These observations, therefore, confirm the neuroprotective role of vitamin
D through multiple molecular mechanisms and can be considered as a promising target in understanding
ADHD pathology.
Conclusion: In this context, the present study reviews the molecular pathways of vitamin D in ADHD
patients.
