Evaluation of the correlation between attentional processes and Thr92ALA-D2 polymorphism in college students

• Grant number: 21/14170-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2022
• End date: December 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Miriam Oliveira Ribeiro
• Grantee: Laís Mayumi Yamanouchi
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (UPM). Instituto Presbiteriano Mackenzie. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Executive functions (EF) correspond to a group of mental processes, associated with intentional behavior, which enables the performance of various activities and plays an essential role in the formation of the individual. One of the components of EF is attention, which provides the interaction between the mind and the environment and is defined as the focus of consciousness in a directional and selective way, polarizing mental processes into a relevant stimulus, in order to inhibit others. One of the fundamental regulators of the activities of the Central Nervous System (CNS) is the thyroid hormone (TH). When there is a decrease in TH levels, such as during hypothyroidism, fatigue, impaired attention, concentration, and memory occur. Indeed, individuals with resistance to thyroid hormone (THR) exhibit an attention deficit that may result from oxidative stress and neuroinflammation associated with hypothyroidism. Previous studies have shown that a type 2 deiodase (D2) polymorphism (Thr92Ala), prevalent in 12 to 36% of the population, exhibits reduced catalytic activity of type 2 deiodase. Therefore, considering that D2 is the main provider of T3 in the CNS, we hypothesized that individuals with Thr92Ala may exhibit impairments in the performance of attention processes. Thus, in this study, we will correlate the scores obtained on the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale) and reading, counting, choosing, and alternating FDT (Five Digit Test) scores with the genotypes of the Thr92Ala-D2 polymorphism of college students.(AU)