a-Ketophenylacetic Acid is a toxic breakdown product related to Styrene.
What is Styrene?
Styrene is a flammable liquid that is used to make polystyrene plastics, fiberglass, rubber, and latex. It occurs naturally in some fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts, and beverages.
Where is Styrene found?
- Consumer products – cigarettes, and many packaging, household, and building products
- Air – emissions from styrene-based products, cigarettes, vehicle exhaust, and copy machines
- Food and water – containing styrene from naturally occurring sources or contamination
What happens when I am exposed to Styrene?
Short-term:
Exposure to styrene can cause:
- Irritation to the eyes, skin, and nose
- Gastrointestinal effects
- Respiratory effects
Long-term:
Long-term exposure to styrene can cause:
- Central nervous system and kidney effects
- Headaches
- Depression
- Fatigue and weakness
- Hearing loss
- Balance and concentration problems
Who is at risk for exposure to Styrene?
Consumers
- Some food, packaging materials, and consumer and building products contain styrene.
Cigarette smokers
- Cigarette smoke and secondhand smoke contain styrene.
References:
https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/styrene
When high levels of a-Ketophenylacetic Acid (from Styrene) and a-Hydroxyisobutyric Acid (from MTBE) are found, the function of support systems such as the liver and kidneys may be impaired by excess toxin exposure.
Possible treatment options:
- Avoidance of styrene
- Hydration
- Antioxidants
- B12 may play a role in processing these compounds, so use low dose of Vitamin B12.
The detoxification markers, like a-Ketophenylacetic Acid, reflect increased exposure to environmental toxins, or up-regulation of detoxification pathways in response to stress. Collectively, when these markers are elevated:
1. Identify the source of toxin exposure.
2. Minimize or reduce exposure.
3. Consider the use of antioxidants, like glutathione, plus other nutrients and botanicals to support detoxification.
4. Helpful websites:
a. Tox Town https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov
b. Environmental Working Group https://www.ewg.org
c. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov
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2-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid, 3-Hydroxyisovaleric Acid, 3-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid, 3-Hydroxypropionic Acid, 3-Methyl-4-OH-phenylglycol, 4-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid, 5-OH-indoleacetic Acid, a-Hydroxyisobutyric Acid (from MTBE), a-Keto-b-Methylvaleric Acid, a-Ketoadipic Acid, a-Ketoglutaric Acid (AKG), a-Ketoisocaproic Acid, a-Ketoisovaleric Acid, a-Ketophenylacetic Acid (from Styrene), Adipic Acid, Arabinose, B-OH-B-Methylglutaric Acid (HMG), Benzoic Acid, Beta-OH-Butyric Acid (BHBA), Cis-Aconitic Acid, Citramalic Acid, Citric Acid, Dihydroxyphenylpropionic Acid (DHPPA), Formiminoglutamic Acid (FIGlu), Glutaric Acid, Hippuric Acid, Homogentisic Acid, Homovanillic Acid, Indoleacetic Acid (IAA), Isocitric Acid, Isovalerylglycine, Kynurenic / Quinolinic Ratio, Kynurenic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Methylmalonic Acid, Orotic Acid, Phenylacetic Acid (PAA), Pyroglutamic Acid, Pyruvic Acid, Quinolinic Acid, Suberic Acid, Succinic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Vanilmandelic Acid, Xanthurenic Acid
