# Exploring the levels of homocysteine and its relationship with cognitive function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

## TL;DR

This study found that children with ADHD have higher homocysteine levels than healthy children, but these levels are not linked to cognitive function.

## Contribution

The study is the first to investigate homocysteine levels in ADHD children and their cognitive function in a Chinese population.

## Key findings

- Children with ADHD had significantly higher homocysteine levels than healthy children.
- Higher homocysteine levels were observed in younger and male ADHD patients.
- No correlation was found between homocysteine levels and cognitive function in ADHD children.

## Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder frequently accompanied by cognitive dysfunction. However, the precise etiology of the cognitive impairment remains unclear. Homocysteine is recognized as a risk factor that contributes to cognitive impairment.

To explore the potential changes in serum homocysteine levels in children with ADHD and to evaluate its relationship with cognitive function.

In this cross-sectional and case–control study, 39 children diagnosed with ADHD were recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Capital Center For Children’s Health, Capital Medical University, along with 40 age- and sex-matched healthy children from the Health Care Department. Serum homocysteine levels were measured via the enzyme cycle method. Age and sex were incorporated into stratified analyses. Cognitive function in patients with ADHD was evaluated using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF).

Compared with the healthy individuals, patients with ADHD exhibited significantly higher serum total homocysteine levels (7.20 ± 1.19 μmol/L vs. 6.35 ± 1.11 μmol/L, p = 0.002). This association was prominent in younger patients (7.21 ± 1.39 μmol/L vs. 5.84 ± 0.18 μmol/L, p = 0.001) and male patients (7.21 ± 1.15 μmol/L vs. 6.44 ± 1.18 μmol/L, p = 0.010). No significant correlation was observed between serum total homocysteine levels and BRIEF scores (p > 0.05).

The study indicates that compared to healthy individuals, patients with ADHD exhibit relatively high homocysteine levels, especially in younger and male patients. However, this study did not support a significant correlation between homocysteine levels and cognitive function in children with ADHD.