OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that maternal transplacentally acquired antibodies may cause Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms years after birth, and tested the hypothesis in twins discordant for ADHD symptoms. METHOD:In a pre-screened sample of 7793 same sex twin pair's (4-18 years) questionnaire data on hyperactivity and inattention was collected. Blood samples taken 5 days after birth from 190 ADHD-score discordant pairs (15% MZ) were analyzed for antibodies. RESULTS: Pneumococcus Polysaccaride 14 (PnPs14) was present in the ADHD high scoring twin more often than in the lower scoring twin (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Although the study provides no strong support for the hypothesis, infection or immunological factors may be one among several causes of ADHD. The genetic control obtained in a twin design may reduce the exposure contrast and a larger sample is needed to further explore the role of PnPs14 in the etiology of ADHD.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that maternal transplacentally acquired antibodies may cause Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms years after birth, and tested the hypothesis in twins discordant for ADHD symptoms. METHOD: In a pre-screened sample of 7793 same sex twin pair's (4-18 years) questionnaire data on hyperactivity and inattention was collected. Blood samples taken 5 days after birth from 190 ADHD-score discordant pairs (15% MZ) were analyzed for antibodies. RESULTS: Pneumococcus Polysaccaride 14 (PnPs14) was present in the ADHD high scoring twin more often than in the lower scoring twin (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Although the study provides no strong support for the hypothesis, infection or immunological factors may be one among several causes of ADHD. The genetic control obtained in a twin design may reduce the exposure contrast and a larger sample is needed to further explore the role of PnPs14 in the etiology of ADHD.
Authors: Marvin So; Eric J Dziuban; Caitlin S Pedati; Joseph R Holbrook; Angelika H Claussen; Brenna O'Masta; Brion Maher; Audrey A Cerles; Zayan Mahmooth; Laurel MacMillan; Jennifer W Kaminski; Margaret Rush Journal: Prev Sci Date: 2022-08-10
Authors: Salvatore Fasola; Laura Montalbano; Giovanna Cilluffo; Benjamin Cuer; Velia Malizia; Giuliana Ferrante; Isabella Annesi-Maesano; Stefania La Grutta Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-12-02 Impact factor: 3.390