COULD molecules in the blood and spinal fluid hold the key to understanding cerebral palsy? A new genetic study suggests that certain metabolites may influence risk, pointing toward potential avenues for prevention and treatment.
Using a Mendelian randomization approach, researchers analyzed over 1,700 serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolites to uncover causal relationships with cerebral palsy. The results identified dozens of metabolites tied to risk, including both harmful and protective effects.
In the bloodstream, 1-(1-enyl-stearoyl)-2-linoleoyl-GPE was associated with a reduced likelihood of cerebral palsy, while 1,2-dipalmitoyl-GPC appeared to increase risk. In the CSF, 1-palmitoyl-2-palmitoleoyl-GPC was linked to protection. Intriguingly, methionine sulfone provided protective effects in both serum and CSF, suggesting it may be a particularly strong candidate biomarker.
Beyond single metabolites, the study highlighted entire metabolic pathways that may shape cerebral palsy development. Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, along with butyrate metabolism, were strongly implicated. These pathways, which influence cellular energy and inflammation, may eventually guide the design of new therapeutic strategies.
For clinicians, the findings offer a glimpse into how advanced genetic and metabolomic research can illuminate the biological underpinnings of a complex condition that often remains difficult to predict or prevent. While experimental validation is still needed, identifying metabolites and pathways that consistently affect cerebral palsy risk brings the field closer to meaningful translational applications.
The study also reinforces the promise of metabolomics in precision medicine. By tracking protective and harmful molecules, future research may open doors to earlier interventions, biomarker-guided screening, or targeted therapies. For families and clinicians grappling with the uncertainty of cerebral palsy, these insights represent a step toward a more informed and proactive approach to care.
Reference: Dai Y et al. Evaluating the causal effects of serum and cerebrospinal fluid metabolites on cerebral palsy: A whole-metabolome Mendelian randomization study. Brain Behav. 2025;15(9):e70864.
