Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in Egyptian children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Background To date, researchers do not fully understand what the aetiology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is. As a neurotrophin, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) contributes to the growth of neurons as well as to the efficiency and plasticity of the neuronal synapse, which suggests that it may be a contributing aetiological factor in ADHD. Therefore, we sought to investigate the relationship between ADHD and plasma BDNF, including whether there is an association between BDNF and the degree of severity of ADHD and with ADHD subtypes. Results We found significantly elevated plasma BDNF in ADHD subjects in comparison with healthy subjects, but differences among the three subtypes of ADHD did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion Compared with the control group, elevated plasma BDNF levels were found in the ADHD group, which suggests it may contribute to the aetiology of ADHD.