Thiols and ceruloplasmin levels in serum of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A cross-sectional study

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood onset disorder with well-known findings that include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. This study aims to explore the relationship between the levels of ceruloplasmin, native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide and ADHD by comparing case and control groups. The study case group comprised 50 children aged 6-16 years who had been diagnosed with ADHD. The control group included 47 healthy children. Clinical interviews were conducted and the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version Turkish Adaptation and the Conners Parent Rating Scale were administered. Additionally, blood samples were taken and native thiol, total thiol, disulfide, and ceruloplasmin levels measured. In the ADHD group, the mean native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide levels were significantly lower than the control group. There was no significant difference between the ADHD and control groups in ceruloplasmin levels. Total thiol and native thiol levels were inversely correlated with scores on the Conners Inattention and Hyperactivity subscales; total thiol was negatively correlated with the ADHD index. Thiol-disulfide homeostasis was impaired in ADHD children and was related to symptom severity. Oxidative stress balance may play a role in ADHD.