<it>Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) Val</it>^108/158<it>Met </it>polymorphism does not modulate executive function in children with ADHD

• Main Authors: Stepanian Marina (Author), Torkaman-Zehi Adam (Author), Deguzman Rosherie (Author), Mbekou Valentin (Author), Lageix Philippe (Author), Amor Leila (Author), Grizenko Natalie (Author), Taerk Evan (Author), Baron Chantal (Author), Joober Ridha (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2004-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>An association has been observed between the <it>catechol-O-methyltransferase </it>(<it>COMT</it>) gene, the predominant means of catecholamine catabolism within the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and neuropsychological task performance in healthy and schizophrenic adults. Since several of the cognitive functions typically deficient in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are mediated by prefrontal dopamine (DA) mechanisms, we investigated the relationship between a functional polymorphism of the <it>COMT </it>gene and neuropsychological task performance in these children.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The <it>Val</it>^108/158<it>Met </it>polymorphism of the <it>COMT </it>gene was genotyped in 118 children with ADHD (DSM-IV). The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Tower of London (TOL), and Self-Ordered Pointing Task (SOPT) were employed to evaluate executive functions. Neuropsychological task performance was compared across genotype groups using analysis of variance.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>ADHD children with the <it>Val/Val</it>, <it>Val/Met </it>and <it>Met/Met </it>genotypes were similar with regard to demographic and clinical characteristics. No genotype effects were observed for WCST standardized perseverative error scores [F_2,97= 0.67; p > 0.05], TOL standardized scores [F_2,99= 0.97; p > 0.05], and SOPT error scores [F_2,108= 0.62; p > 0.05].</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Contrary to the observed association between WCST performance and the <it>Val</it>^108/158<it>Met </it>polymorphism of the <it>COMT </it>gene in both healthy and schizophrenic adults, this polymorphism does not appear to modulate executive functions in children with ADHD.</p>

Item Description

10.1186/1471-2350-5-30
1471-2350