2-Methylsuccinic Acid

- Elevated levels are found in diabetes.

- Increased urinary levels of methylsuccinic acid (together with ethylmalonic acid) are the main biochemical measurable features in ethylmalonic encephalopathy, a rare metabolic disorder with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance that is clinically characterized by neuromotor delay, hyperlactic acidemia, recurrent petechiae, orthostatic acrocyanosis, and chronic diarrhea. The underlying biochemical defect involves isoleucine catabolism. 

Note: These tests are used to check for rare metabolic disorders, usually in infants. There is no apparent reason nor benefit to checking ethylmalonic and methylsuccinic acid levels in adults who aren’t suspected to have rare genetic disorders.

Methylsuccinic acid is a normal metabolite found in human fluids. Increased urinary levels of methylsuccinic acid (together with ethylmalonic acid) are the main biochemical measurable features in ethylmalonic encephalopathy, a rare metabolic disorder with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance that is clinically characterized by neuromotor delay, hyperlactic acidemia, recurrent petechiae, orthostatic acrocyanosis, and chronic diarrhea. The underlying biochemical defect involves isoleucine catabolism. 

Moreover, methylsuccinic acid is found to be associated with ethylmalonic encephalopathy, isovaleric acidemia, and medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, which are also inborn errors of metabolism.

Note: These tests are used to check for rare metabolic disorders, usually in infants. There is no apparent reason nor benefit to checking ethylmalonic and methylsuccinic acid levels in adults who aren’t suspected to have rare genetic disorders.