Elevated Serum Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 Levels in Children With Specific Learning Disorder: A Case Control Study
- Author:
Yaşar TANIR
1
;
Zeynep Nur GÜLLE
;
Gökçe Sultan UNCU
;
Adile Merve BAKI
;
Pervin VURAL
;
Nusret SOYLU
;
Abdurrahman Cahid ÖRENGÜL
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Psychiatry Investigation 2023;20(7):609-615
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:Specific learning disorder (SLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which underlying pathogenesis and etiological factors are not fully understood. Neuroinflammatory response (measured with serum levels of galectin-1 and galectin-3), which is associated with learning and memory, may play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of SLD. Aim of the present study is to examine whether serum galectin-1 and galectin-3 levels are related to SLD.
Methods:The current study consisted of 42 treatment-naive children with SLD and 42 control subjects. All of the subjects were assessed using semi-structured psychiatric examination to diagnose SLD and exclude attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Serum galectin-1 and galectin-3 levels were measured via venous blood samples.
Results:The SLD and control group did not differ significantly in terms of age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). The SLD group had significantly higher serum levels of galectin-1 (8.78±2.97 vs. 7.40±2.03, p=0.019) and galectin-3 (1.86±0.93 vs. 1.32±0.69, p=0.003) than the control group when controlled for age, sex, and BMI.
Conclusion:Higher serum levels of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in children with SLD may indicate the role of neuroinflammatory response in the pathogenesis of SLD. Other mechanisms involving galectin-1 and galectin-3 related to learning may play a part in the etiology of SLD.
