Browsing by Author "Ferahkaya, Hursit"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Investigation of Tight Junction Protein Alterations in ADHD: the Role of Claudin-5, Β-Catenin and Paxillin
(Sage Publications Inc, 2025) Uzun, Necati; Bilgic, Ayhan; Ferahkaya, Hursit; Tas, Mehmet Berat; Kilinc, Ibrahim; Kilic, Ahmet Osman
Objective: Blood-brain barrier permeability (BBB) has been suggested to be involved in the etiopathogenesis of ADHD. Claudin-5, beta-catenin and paxillin are important molecules with different roles in this barrier. Alterations in these molecules may disrupt the neurodevelopmental process by affecting various critical processes in the developing brain. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether the peripheral levels of these molecules differ in children and adolescents with ADHD.Method: A total of 90 patients with ADHD aged between 8 and 18 years and 60 healthy controls were included in this study. The severity of ADHD symptoms was determined with the Atilla Turgay Scale. Child Anxiety-Depression Scale-Revised was completed to evaluate additional psychiatric problems of the patients. Serum levels of biochemical parameters were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.Results: Serum claudin-5 levels were significantly lower and beta-catenin levels were significantly higher in the ADHD group compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in paxillin serum levels between the groups.Conclusion: This study suggests that claudin-5 and beta-catenin may play a role in the pathogenesis of ADHD. These proteins may affect the brain by causing a dysregulation in BBB permeability or through other mechanisms.
Potential Treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Focus on Phase III Trials
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2025) Ferahkaya, Hursit; Bilgic, Ayhan
IntroductionStimulant medications, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine derivatives, and non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine, guanfacine, clonidine, and viloxazine, are considered the cornerstones of pharmacological treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, a significant number of individuals respond partially to these treatments or are concerned about side effects. This creates a need for new treatment strategies that target alternative neurobiological mechanisms and offer improved tolerability and efficacy profiles.Area coveredThis review examines pharmacological agents currently in phase III clinical development or recently completed trials for the treatment of ADHD. We highlight four promising candidates: centanafadine, solriamfetol, CTx-1301, and NRCT-101SR. We discuss their pharmacological mechanisms, clinical efficacy, safety profiles, and regulatory status, with an emphasis on how these agents may address existing therapeutic gaps and the potential clinical implications. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for articles published between January 2018-July 2025.Expert opinionRecent advances in ADHD pharmacotherapy suggest that approaches targeting monoaminergic systems beyond dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition may provide therapeutic benefits. Additionally, multi-phase extended-release formulations may improve adherence and enhance symptom control throughout the day. As phase III data become available, these agents have the potential to redefine ADHD treatment paradigms.
Citation - WoS: 15
Citation - Scopus: 16
Serum Claudin-5, Claudin-11, Occludin, Vinculin, Paxillin, and Beta-Catenin Levels in Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2023) Bilgiç, Ayhan; Ferahkaya, Hursit; Karagöz, Hülya; Kılınç, İbrahim; Energin, Vesile Meltem
Aim Increased intestinal and blood-brain barriers (BBB) permeability has been suggested to have a role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Claudin-5, claudin-11, occludin, beta-catenin, vinculin, and paxillin are crucial components of these barriers. This study assessed concentrations of these molecules in preschool children with ASD.Methods A total of 80 children with ASD and 40 controls aged 18-60 months were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of biochemical variables were determined using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.Results Serum claudin-11, occludin, and beta-catenin levels were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the control group. However, no significant difference for serum claudin-5, vinculin, and paxillin levels was detected between the groups.Conclusion These findings suggest that claudin-11, occludin, and beta-catenin may be involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. These proteins may affect the brain by causing dysregulation in intestinal or blood-brain barrier permeability or with other unknown mechanisms.