Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci.  2021 May;19(2):334-340. 10.9758/cpn.2021.19.2.334.

The Relationship between Plasma Erythropoietin Levels and Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• Shim Sh
• Kim YK
• Hwangbo Y
• Yoon Hj
• Kim JS
• Lee YJ
• Woo YS
• Bahk WM

• KMID: 2516185
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.9758/cpn.2021.19.2.334

Abstract

Objective
There are animal models associating dopamine dysfunction with behavioral impairments that model attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Erythropoietin (EPO) has trophic effects on dopaminergic neurons. The aim of this study was to examine the EPO plasma levels and determine whether there was any correlation between plasma EPO levels and clinical characteristics of ADHD.
Methods
Plasma EPO levels were measured in 78 drug-naïve children with ADHD and in 81 healthy children. The severity of ADHD symptoms was determined by scores on the Korean ADHD Rating Scale (K-ARS) in ADHD children and healthy controls.
Results
The difference between median plasma EPO levels in ADHD children and in healthy controls was not statistically significant. Adjusting for age and sex, a linear regression analysis showed that inattention score was significantly higher in the second highest tertile of plasma EPO compared to those in the lowest tertile. Hyperactivity-impulsivity score was significantly higher in the highest tertile of plasma EPO compared to those in the lowest tertile. Moreover, total K-ARS scores were significantly higher in the second highest tertile of plasma EPO compared to those in the lowest tertile.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that plasma EPO levels were related to some ADHD symptoms, which could be used in the monitoring of the disorder.

Keyword

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Erythropoietin; Neuroprotection; Neurodevelopment