Association between EEG Paroxysmal Abnormalities and Levels of Plasma Amino Acids and Urinary Organic Acids in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Bibliographic Data

ID15719296
AuthorsDaniele Marcotulli (University of Turin), Chiara Davico (0000-0003-4378-8419, University of Turin, corresponding author), Alessandra Somà (University of Turin), Guido Teghille (University of Turin), Giorgio Ravaglia (University of Turin), Federico Amianto (0000-0002-7079-8391, University of Turin), Federica Ricci (0000-0003-2019-612X, University of Turin), Maria Paola Puccinelli (0000-0001-6719-1946, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, “Baldi e Riberi” Laboratory, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy), Marco Spada (0000-0002-6737-0941, University of Turin), Benedetto Vitiello (0000-0002-8093-7383, University of Turin)
Year2022
Volume9
Issue4
Pages540-540
Publication date2022-04-11
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueChildren (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2227-9067 • E-ISSN: 2227-9067
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/children9040540
PMID35455584
OpenAlexW4223592374
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited50

Abnormalities in the plasma amino acid and/or urinary organic acid profile have been reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neuronal activity has been proposed as a mechanism to explain dysfunctional brain networks in ASD, as also suggested by the increased risk of epilepsy in this disorder. This study explored the possible association between presence of EEG paroxysmal abnormalities and the metabolic profile of plasma amino acids and urinary organic acids in children with ASD. In a sample of 55 children with ASD (81.8% male, mean age 53.67 months), EEGs were recorded, and 24 plasma amino acids and 56 urinary organic acids analyzed. EEG epileptiform discharges were found in 36 (65%) children. A LASSO regression, adjusted by age and sex, was applied to evaluate the association of plasma amino acids and urinary organic acids profiles with the presence of EEG epileptiform discharges. Plasma levels of threonine (THR) (coefficient = -0.02, p = 0.04) and urinary concentration of 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaric acid (HMGA) (coefficient = 0.04, p = 0.02) were found to be associated with the presence of epileptiform discharges. These results suggest that altered redox mechanisms might be linked to epileptiform brain activity in ASD

Amino acid · Autism · Autism spectrum disorder · Electroencephalography · Epilepsy · Organic acid · Psychiatry · Urinary system · Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Chemistry · Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders · Medicine · Neuroscience · Psychology · Biochemistry · Endocrinology · Internal Medicine

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