Genetic Immune clue related to ADHD

[Guest guest]

I got this off the FEAT newsletter. -

Genetic-Immune Clue to Attention Disorder

[bBC Online London, UK.]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health/newsid_1746000/1746944.stm

Faulty levels of an immune system chemical may make some children more

prone to a condition which causes unruly behaviour, research suggests.

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to

be hyperactive, impulsive and have difficulty concentrating.

Untreated, the condition can lead to serious problems at school, and in

fitting into society.

Some experts believe ADHD may affect up to one in ten of all children,

although this is hotly disputed by others who believe doctors have been too

quick to use the condition as a convenient way to explain away behavioural

difficulties.

The causes of the condition are unknown. One theory is that it is

linked to an imbalance of brain chemicals such as dopamine and

norepinepherine.

Drugs such as Ritalin, which boost the activity of these chemicals,

have successfully reduced ADHD symptoms.

Key chemical

Now new research suggests a chemical called interleukin 1 may play a vital

role.

Interleukin 1 helps to regulate the immune system, but also appears to

play a role in helping to keep brain cells in good condition, and to aid their

development before birth.

Researchers from Israel tested the theory that an imbalance of

interleukin 1 leads to problems in the brain cells that respond to chemicals

such as dopamine and norepinepherine.

They found that children carrying a genetic variation which upsets the function

of interleukin, were at greater risk of developing ADHD.

Researcher Dr Ronnen Segman, of Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center,

Jerusalem, told BBC News Online that the study suggested that immune system

chemicals may play a role in a range of psychiatric disorders.

He said: " This extends our understanding on the causes of such

disorders, and may form a basis for future novel preventive or interventive

opportunities. "

The research is published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

Professor Julio Licinio, editor of the journal, told BBC News Online:

" This is in my view, the first report of a possible immune dysfunction in

ADHD.

" If confirmed these findings will lead to new research on treatment

strategies targeted to correct such an immune defect.

" ADHD is a serious health problem in children, affecting not only

school performance but social relations and family dynamics.

" Current treatments are not always effective, and the search for new

approaches is critically needed. "

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