Abstract
Context: Autism is a complex, heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition with a strong genetic component potentially impacted by various environmental factors influencing susceptibility. There are no reliable laboratory tests available to confirm an autism diagnosis. Objective: To examine the published literature and identify putative urinary biomarkers of autism. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic bibliographic databases. Results: Putative autism biomarkers were identified that could be categorized according to the key theories that exist regarding the etiology of autism: gastrointestinal factors, immune dysregulation, heavy metal toxicity, neurotransmitter abnormalities, and oxidative stress. Conclusion: There is scope for specific urinary biomarkers to be useful for identification of autistic metabolic phenotypes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 537-552 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | Biomarkers |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue number | 7 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2011 |
Keywords
- Etiology
- gastrointestinal factors
- heavy metal toxicity
- immune dysregulation
- neurotransmitters
- oxidative stress