Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Removal of Trace Elements by Cupric Oxide Nanoparticles from Uranium In Situ Recovery Bleed Water and Its Effect on Cell Viability
09:23

Removal of Trace Elements by Cupric Oxide Nanoparticles from Uranium In Situ Recovery Bleed Water and Its Effect on Cell Viability

Published on: June 21, 2015

Porphyrinuria in childhood autistic disorder: implications for environmental toxicity

Robert Nataf1, Corinne Skorupka, Lorene Amet

  • 1Laboratoire Philippe Auguste, Paris, France.

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
|June 20, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Environmental toxicity may contribute to autism. Elevated urinary porphyrin levels, a biomarker of toxicity, were found in children with autistic disorder, but not Asperger's disorder. Treatment with DMSA reduced these levels.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Biomarkers of Toxicity

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with potential environmental influences.
  • Urinary porphyrins serve as biomarkers for environmental toxicity and heavy metal exposure.
  • Previous research suggests a link between environmental factors and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between urinary porphyrin levels and autistic disorder.
  • To differentiate autistic disorder from Asperger's disorder based on porphyrin profiles.
  • To explore the potential impact of heavy metal toxicity on autistic disorder.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 269 children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Analysis of urinary porphyrin levels using high-performance liquid chromatography.
  • Comparison of porphyrin levels between autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, and control groups.
  • Subgroup treatment with dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) to assess heavy metal removal efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Significantly elevated coproporphyrin levels in children with autistic disorder compared to controls (P < 0.001).
  • Elevated precoproporphyrin, an indicator of heavy metal toxicity, was also observed in autistic disorder (P < 0.001).
  • Porphyrin levels were not elevated in Asperger's disorder, distinguishing it from autistic disorder.
  • A significant reduction in urinary porphyrin excretion was noted after DMSA treatment in a subgroup of children with autistic disorder (P = 0.002).

Conclusions:

  • Urinary porphyrin elevation, particularly precoproporphyrin, implicates environmental toxicity in childhood autistic disorder.
  • The findings suggest a potential role for heavy metal exposure in the pathophysiology of autistic disorder.
  • Differentiating autistic disorder from Asperger's disorder based on porphyrin profiles may offer diagnostic insights.

More Related Videos

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children04:55

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children

Published on: September 11, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Intellectual Disability01:29

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Environmental Influences on Intelligence01:29

Environmental Influences on Intelligence

Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children from...