Perinatal exposure to the autism-linked metabolite p-Cresol has limited impact on early development in mice but lasting effects on adult social behavior.

ABSTRACT: Environmental exposures during pregnancy are increasingly recognized as significant risk factors for the offspring health. Perinatal exposure to environmental toxins, including p-Cresol, may disrupt essential physiological processes during critical developmental windows. The perinatal period is particularly critical for neurodevelopment, making the brain particularly vulnerable to external toxins that can impair neural circuitry and increase the risk of behavioral and neuropsychiatric disorders later in life. p-Cresol, a microbial metabolite produced by the human microbiota and through the bacterial decomposition of organic matter, is also released in exhaust fumes and widely used in chemical manufacturing. Elevated levels of p-Cresol have been consistently observed in patients with autism

SUBMITTER: Canaguier J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12000446 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature