Guest guest Posted May 29, 2012 Report Share Posted May 29, 2012 http://www.asnneuro.org/an/imps/abs/AN20120015.htm open access: Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and Autism Spectrum Disorders Chiara Testa, Francesca Nuti, Joussef Hayek, Claudio De Felice, Chelli, Paolo Rovero, Giuseppe Latini and Papini Polo Scientifico e Tecnologico of the University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. annamaria.papini2@... Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a complex group of neurodevelopment disorders, still poorly understood, steadily rising in frequency, and treatment-refractory. Extensive research has been so far unable to explain the aetiology of this condition, whereas a growing body of evidence suggests the involvement of environmental factors. Phthalates, given their extensive use and their persistence, are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. They are endocrine-disrupting chemicals suspected to interfere with neurodevelopment. Therefore, they represent interesting candidate risk factors for ASDs pathogenesis. Aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of the primary and secondary metabolites of the di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) in children with ASDs. A total of 48 children with ASDs [M: 36, F: 12; mean age: 11 years ± 5 years] and 45 age and sex comparable healthy controls (HCs, M: 25, F: 20; mean age: 12 years± 5 years) were enrolled. A diagnostic methodology, based on the determination of urinary concentrations of DEHP metabolites by HPLC-ESI-MS, was applied to urine spot samples. MEHP, 6-OH-MEHP, 5-OH-MEHP, and 5-oxo-MEHP were measured and compared to unequivocally characterised, pure synthetic compounds (<98%) taken as standards. In ASDs patients, significantly increased 5-OH-MEHP (52.1%, median 0.18) and 5-oxo-MEHP (46.0%, median 0.096) urinary concentrations were detected, with a significant positive correlation between 5-OH-MEHP and 5-oxo-MEHP (r_s = 0.668, p < 0.0001). The fully oxidised form 5-oxo-MEHP showed 91.1% specificity in identifying patients with ASDs. Our findings, demonstrate for the first time an association between phthalates exposure and ASDs, thus suggesting a previously unrecognized role for these ubiquitous environmental contaminants in the pathogenesis of autism. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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