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Urinary p-cresol is elevated in young French children with autism spectrum disorder: a replication study

Stefano Gabriele1, Roberto Sacco, Sonia Cerullo

  • 1Unit of Child and Adolescent NeuroPsychiatry and.

Biomarkers : Biochemical Indicators of Exposure, Response, and Susceptibility to Chemicals
|July 11, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Urinary p-cresol levels are elevated in young autistic children, particularly those aged 8 and under. This finding suggests p-cresol may serve as a potential biomarker for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Elevated urinary p-cresol (4-methylphenol) was previously observed in Italian autistic children.
  • P-cresol exists in three forms: p-cresylsulfate, p-cresylglucuronate, and free p-cresol.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To replicate and extend previous findings on urinary p-cresol levels in a distinct ethnic group.
  • To investigate the specific components of urinary p-cresol in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Main Methods:

  • Comparison of urinary p-cresol, p-cresylsulfate, and p-cresylglucuronate levels between 33 French ASD cases and 33 matched controls.
  • Analysis of age-related differences in p-cresol levels within the ASD group.
  • Correlation of urinary p-cresol levels with behavioral characteristics in ASD.

Main Results:

  • Significantly elevated total urinary p-cresol, p-cresylsulfate, and p-cresylglucuronate were found in French ASD cases compared to controls (p < 0.05).
  • This elevation was specific to ASD children aged 8 years and younger (p < 0.01).
  • Urinary p-cresol and p-cresylsulfate levels correlated with stereotypic, compulsive/repetitive behaviors (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms elevated urinary p-cresol in young autistic children.
  • P-cresol and p-cresylsulfate show potential as biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the diagnostic and clinical significance of these findings.

Keywords:
Gut floraneurotoxicityorganic contaminantsp-cresylsulfatepervasive developmental disorders

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