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Low serum myeloperoxidase in autistic children with gastrointestinal disease
Anthony J Russo1, Arthur Krigsman, Bryan Jepson
1Research Director, Health Research Institute/Pfeiffer Treatment Center, Warrenville, IL, USA;
Insights
Serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were low in autistic children with chronic digestive disease. Low MPO concentration may serve as a biomarker for gastrointestinal issues in this population.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is frequently associated with gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction.
- Inflammatory markers in the GI tract of autistic children require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in autistic children with severe GI disease.
- To determine if MPO concentration correlates with GI disease severity and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in autistic children.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 40 autistic children with chronic digestive disease and 48 controls.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to quantify serum MPO levels.
- MPO levels were compared against GI disease severity and ANCA status.
Main Results:
- A significant number of autistic children with chronic digestive disease exhibited low serum MPO levels.
- No significant association was found between MPO levels and the severity of GI disease.
- The presence of ANCA did not correlate with MPO levels in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Low serum MPO levels are observed in a subset of autistic children with GI disease.
- MPO concentration shows potential as a biomarker for GI disease in autistic individuals.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of MPO in ASD-associated GI pathology.
Aim:
To assess serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in autistic children with severe gastrointestinal (GI) disease and to test the hypothesis that there is an association between serum MPO concentration and inflammatory GI disease, including antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), previously seen in a subgroup of autistic children.
Subjects And Methods:
Serum from 40 autistic children with chronic digestive disease (most with ileo-colonic lymphoid nodular hyperplasia (LNH) and inflammation of the colorectum, small bowel and/or stomach), and 48 controls (12 age-matched autistic children with no GI disease, 20 age-matched children without autism or GI disease, and 16 nonautistic individuals with no family history of autism) were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays designed to quantitate serum MPO levels. MPO serum concentration of autistic children with GI disease was compared to GI disease severity (including LNH and erythema) and presence of ANCA.
Results:
We found that a significant number of autistic children with chronic digestive disease had low serum levels of MPO. However, there was no significant relationship between these levels and severity of GI disease, including the presence of ANCA.
Discussion:
These results suggest a relationship between low MPO levels and GI disease seen in a subpopulation of autism spectrum disorders individuals. MPO concentration may therefore be a useful biomarker for GI disease in this group of autistic children.