Objective: In recent years, it has been emphasized that various growth factors that affect neurogenesis may lead to ADHD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of VEGF, IGF-1, and HIF-1α growth factors in the etiopathogenesis of ADHD.
Method: Levels of VEGF, IGF-1, and HIF-1α were compared between 40 ADHD children and 40 healthy children, aged 7 to 13 years.
Result: VEGF, IGF-1, and HIF-1α levels did not significantly differ between the groups. There was a negative correlation between serum VEGF levels and the parent-rated T-DSM-IV-S (AD) subscale. There was a positive correlation between serum IGF-1 levels and the parent-rated T-DSM-IV-S (AD) subscale, and SDQ (ES) subscale.
Conclusion: Given our limitations and the fact that some of our findings differ from those of other studies, it is evident that this area requires additional research with larger samples.
Keywords: ADHD; HIF-1α; IGF-1; VEGF; growth factors.