Aggressive behavior in Italian children with ADHD in the middle of COVID-19 pandemic: Preliminary data on MAOA gene polymorphisms involvement

ABSTRACT

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by oppositional, defiant, disobedient, disruptive and also aggressive behavior. Many genes are involved in its onset, particularly dopaminergic pathway genes. Moreover, genetic predisposition to aggression appears affected by the polymorphic genetic variants of the serotoninergic system, among which, functional polymorphisms in monoamine oxidase A (MAOA). The risk of contracting coronavirus infection may arouse in some people severe emotional distress characterized by symptoms of fatigue, guilt, and aggression. A survey on the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic in Italian families of children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD showed how children have been particularly affected by the emergency. The aim of this study was to determine whether polymorphisms at the MAOA gene are associated with increased or reduced susceptibility to develop ADHD. Therefore, the variants rs6323, rs587777457 and rs1137070 of the MAOA gene were evaluated by SBT in 35 children (mean age 10.257 range 6-16) with ADHD and 27 healthy individuals. Our analysis allowed us to identify the G/G genotype of the variant rs6323 (Arg297Arg) was significantly associated with an increased risk of ADHD (p = 0.015). Allele G indicates higher levels of the enzyme, while the T allele indicates lower levels of enzyme production. When compared in patients, the G allele was associated with higher anger (p-value = 0.01) and might cause aggressive behavior in males. Our study shows that defining a genetic profile of ADHD can provide important information on the etiopathogenesis of the disease and help identify the best therapeutic option for patients with this disorder.