Excess Pyrrole Production May Underlie Some Autism Cases

Pyroluria, a biochemical abnormality stemming from an overproduction of pyrrole molecules during hemoglobin synthesis, may play an etiologic role in the development of autism spectrum disorders, at least in some cases.

Pyrroles are simple five-membered ring molecules that occur naturally in a number of biologically important compounds including vitamin B12, bilirubin, and bilivirdin. They are also components in the more complex porphyrins that make up heme.

Though it’s unclear why, some people are genetically predisposed to over-produce pyrroles. Excess pyrrole molecules serve no known function in the body and are typically excreted through the urine.

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