Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice
07:41

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice

Published on: February 3, 2016

Urinary epidermal and insulin-like growth factor excretion in autistic children

B Anlar1, F Oktem, B Bakkaloglu

  • 1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. banlar@hacettepe.edu.tr

Neuropediatrics
|November 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Young autistic children show lower urinary insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, suggesting altered IGF-1 metabolism. Further research is needed to understand this association in autism pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Developmental Biology
  • Pediatric Neurology

Background:

  • Growth factors play a role in the development and pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • Previous research suggests potential links between growth factor dysregulation and autism.
  • Understanding these biological pathways is crucial for identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the urinary excretion levels of key growth factors in young children diagnosed with autism.
  • To compare these levels between autistic children and age-matched neurotypical controls.
  • To explore the potential role of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in autism.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 34 autistic children (ages 2-5 years) and 29 age-matched controls.
  • Measurement of daily urinary excretion of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), epidermal growth factor, and IGF binding protein-3.
  • Statistical analysis to compare urinary growth factor levels between the autism and control groups.

Main Results:

  • Mean urinary IGF-1 levels were significantly lower in the group of autistic children compared to the control group (p=0.03).
  • No significant differences were observed in height between the groups, indicating normal physical development.
  • Urinary levels of epidermal growth factor and IGF binding protein-3 were also assessed, though specific findings are not detailed in the abstract.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest a potential alteration in IGF-1 metabolism in young children with autism.
  • Lower urinary IGF-1 may represent a biomarker for altered growth factor pathways in early autism.
  • Longitudinal studies and provocation tests are recommended to establish causality and further elucidate the role of IGF-1 in autism.

More Related Videos

Dynamic Clamp Methods to Investigate Impaired Neuronal Excitability Associated with Autism08:44

Dynamic Clamp Methods to Investigate Impaired Neuronal Excitability Associated with Autism

Published on: October 17, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Diabetes Insipidus II: Pathophysiology01:22

Diabetes Insipidus II: Pathophysiology

Normally, water balance is maintained through three interconnected mechanisms: the hypothalamic thirst center, the synthesis and release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH, or vasopressin), and the kidneys' responsiveness to this hormone. ADH is synthesized in the hypothalamus, released from the posterior pituitary, and acts on the distal nephron, allowing water reabsorption and concentrated urine production.Diabetes Insipidus and Its TypesIn diabetes insipidus (DI), this regulatory system is...
Diabetes Insipidus I: Introduction01:29

Diabetes Insipidus I: Introduction

Definition Diabetes insipidus is a disorder marked by the production of large amounts of dilute urine because of impaired vasopressin production, release, or kidney response. The lack of effective vasopressin action limits water reabsorption in the renal collecting ducts, which leads to excessive urinary water loss and intense thirst.Clinical PresentationIndividuals with diabetes insipidus report persistent thirst and very high urine output. In severe cases, fluid intake can reach up to 20...
Insulin Secretory Vesicles01:05

Insulin Secretory Vesicles

Insulin secretory vesicles release insulin to stimulate blood glucose uptake and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. When the blood glucose levels increase, glucose enters the pancreatic β-islet cells through glucose transporters. Once inside, glucose is metabolized through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. This increase in ATP concentration closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane and the opening of...
Urine Studies I: Urinalysis01:29

Urine Studies I: Urinalysis

Urinalysis is a widely used diagnostic test that analyzes urine's physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics. Healthcare providers use it to detect and monitor various health conditions, including renal disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, and metabolic or systemic disorders.Components of UrinalysisUrinalysis consists of three primary components: physical, chemical, and microscopic examination. Each provides unique insights into the urine sample and, by extension, the...
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.
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion01:27

Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion

The pancreatic islets comprising only 1%-2% of the volume are highly vascularized and innervated mini-organs. They contain five endocrine cell types, including β cells that secrete insulin, which is synthesized as a single polypeptide chain, preproinsulin, processed to proinsulin, and finally to insulin and C-peptide. This process is complex and regulated, involving the Golgi complex, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the secretory granules of the β cell.
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...