Using urine FTIR spectra to screen autism spectrum disorder

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis relies on behavioral signs, requiring lengthy observation and lacking clear biomarkers.
• Current diagnostic methods for ASD are demanding for clinicians and parents, with no universally accepted practical tool available.
• Heterogeneous nature of ASD necessitates novel, objective diagnostic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the diagnostic potential of Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• To identify spectral differences in urine samples between children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children.
• To explore ATR-FTIR as a practical, non-invasive screening tool for ASD.

Main Methods:

• Studied 26 children with ASD (aged 3-5 years) and 26 age/sex-matched controls.
• Utilized Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to analyze urine samples.
• Applied Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify spectral features and correlated them with urine components using artificial urine solutions.

Main Results:

• Urine FTIR spectra showed a downward trend in the 3000-2600/cm region for children with ASD compared to TD children.
• The average area in this region was significantly reduced in ASD+ children across different severity levels (16-29%).
• PCA identified five key peaks, with lower levels of uric acid, phosphate, and ammonium indicated as potential causes.

Conclusions:

• ATR-FTIR spectroscopy demonstrates potential as a practical and non-invasive method for screening ASD.
• Analysis of the high-frequency region of urine FTIR spectra can differentiate between children with and without ASD.
• This spectroscopic approach may aid in developing objective biomarkers for ASD diagnosis.