MedTrace Logo

Neuroendocrine Substrates, Candidate Genes and Endophenotypes in ADHD

NCT02392169 · Status: UNKNOWN · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 300

Last updated 2015-03-18

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. In recent years, some researchers have become interested in analyzing neuroendocrine substrate levels in ADHD, including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), cortisol and testosterone. Previous work in ADHD has established a strong heritable component to the phenotype. The STS gene, SULT2A1 gene and TH gene are associated with the function of DHEA/DHEA-S, and the NR3C1 gene is associated with the regulation of cortisol. Therefore, the relationship between these genes and the etiology of ADHD warrants investigation. Moreover, compared to the phenotype, the endophenotypes of ADHD may be more capable of detecting the underlying neurobiological and hereditary mechanisms. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationships between neuroendocrine substrates (DHEA, DHEA-S, cortisol and testosterone), candidate genes (STS gene, SULT2A1 gene, TH gene and NR3C1 gene) and the phenotype and endophenotypes (disease subtypes, neurocognitive function and response to treatment) of ADHD.

To complete this work, we will recruit 300 patients with ADHD (probands) and 600 biological parents of the probands. DNA will be extracted from buccal cells by cheek swab. At baseline, saliva samples of ADHD patients will be collected between 7:00 and 8:00 am using the passive drool method, to analyze the levels of neuroendocrine substrates. The patients will undergo assessment for their clinical symptoms and neurocognitive function. Methylphenidate will then be administered to the patients and the usual practice followed. At week 4 and week 52, procedures similar to those performed at baseline will be repeated.

The results of this study may further elucidate the complexity of the pathophysiology of ADHD. We may determine whether the neuroendocrine system, which contains levels of neuroendocrine substrates and associated genes, plays a crucial role in the phenotype and endophenotypes of ADHD. The information may serve as an important reference for the direction of future study and clinical treatment for patients with ADHD.

Conditions

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Interventions

DRUG

Methylphenidate

Patients used Retina or Concerta twice a day lasting for one year.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Liang-Jen Wang, MD, MPH · Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Eligibility

Min Age
6 Years
Max Age
16 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2013-08-31
Primary Completion
2017-07-31
Completion
2017-07-31

Countries

  • Taiwan

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT02392169 on ClinicalTrials.gov