Vitamin D’s Molecular Action Mechanism in Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder: A Review of Evidence

摘要

Background & Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneousdisorder characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Children with ADHD havechallenges 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. Severalhypotheses have been raised regarding ADHD pathogenesis, including serotonergic and catecholaminergicsignalling pathway dysfunction, neurotropic-related factors, oxidative stress, or neuroinflammation.Vitamin D has an important protective effect against inflammation, oxidative stress and certain neurotrophicfactors 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 involvedin the pathogenesis of ADHD. These observations, therefore, confirm the neuroprotective role of vitaminD through multiple molecular mechanisms and can be considered as a promising target in understandingADHD pathology.Conclusion: In this context, the present study reviews the molecular pathways of vitamin D in ADHDpatients.