Earlier Autism Research Studies

MIND I, MIND II, and ACHRI Studies

Prior to our clinical study, the Children’s Autism Metabolome Project (CAMP) I, we participated in three smaller studies in collaboration with the UC Davis MIND Institute (Dr. David Amaral, Principal Investigator) and the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI).

The results of these initial studies motivated us to explore the connection between metabolism and autism further and provided proof of concept that metabolomics can identify autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Read about the results of our study in our publication, West, P.R. et al. Metabolomics as a Tool for Discovery of Biomarkers of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Blood Plasma of Children. PLoS One, 2014; 9(11): e112445.

In three banked blood studies (with 495 subjects), we obtained multivariate signatures for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) versus typically-developing (TYP) subjects. The table below reflects the percentage of children who could be properly classified as ASD or TYP based on the biomarkers found in their blood test. The metabolites identified contain both new biomarkers of ASD, as well as some known biomarkers.

Comparison of Results from the MIND I, MIND II, and ACHRI Studies

MIND I Study

MIND II Study

ACHRI Study

Subjects

82 258 155

Fed / Fasting

Fasted Fed Fasted

ASD / TYP

1.7 1.9 1.3

Age (y)

5.4 3.4 5.8

Age Range

4-6 2-4 3-10

Sex (% male)

82 78 66

Differential Features

179 314 200

Accuracy (Best Model)

81 79 79

Tube Type

EDTA ACD EDTA

ASD = children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
TYP = typically-developing children

Enter the Children’s Autism Metabolome Project (CAMP)

In our follow-up study, Children’s Autism Metabolome Project (CAMP), NeuroPointDX’s scientific investigators were interested in answering further questions about autism and metabolism::

  • Can we test fewer metabolites and reach the same conclusions that we did in the initial studies?
  • Can we identify a group of metabolic subtypes that are indicative ASD?

Our bioinformatics team found that metabolic subtypes could be identified if metabolites are viewed in relation to each other, using algorithms, developed in-house.

Support NeuroPointDX’s next investigational study, CAMP II, which is focused on validating a treatment options for children with autism spectrum disorder.

We strive to improve the lives of children and families living with autism spectrum disorder and other neurological disorders by providing tools for earlier diagnosis and more precise treatment.