Association of perchlorate, thiocyanate, and nitrate with dyslexic risk

Perchlorate, thiocyanate, and nitrate are sodium iodide symporter (NIS) inhibitors that disturb iodide uptake into the thyroid and have been implicated in child development. However, no data are available on the association between exposure to/related with them and dyslexia. Here, we examined the association of exposure to/related with the three NIS inhibitors with the risk of dyslexia in a case-control study. The three chemicals were detected in urine samples of 355 children with dyslexia and 390 children without dyslexia from three cities in China. The adjusted odds ratios for dyslexia were examined using logistic regression models. The detection frequencies of all the targeted compounds were 100%. After adjusting for multiple covariates, urinary thiocyanate was significantly associated with the risk of dyslexia (P-trend = 0.02). Compared with the lowest quartile, children within the highest quartile had a 2.66-fold risk of dyslexia (95% confidence interval: 1.32, 5.36]. Stratified analyses showed that the association between urinary thiocyanate level and the risk of dyslexia was more pronounced among boys, children with fixed reading time, and those without maternal depression or anxiety during pregnancy. Urinary perchlorate and nitrate levels were not associated with the risk of dyslexia. This study suggests the possible neurotoxicity of thiocyanate or its parent compounds in dyslexia. Further investigation is warranted to confirm our findings and clarify the potential mechanisms.

Automated summary

This study found that exposure to sodium iodide symporter inhibitors, including perchlorate, thiocyanate, and nitrate, were associated with an increased risk of dyslexia. Specifically, urinary thiocyanate levels were significantly associated with dyslexia risk, particularly in boys, children with fixed reading time, and those without maternal depression or anxiety during pregnancy. These findings suggest the potential neurotoxicity of thiocyanate or its parent compounds in dyslexia and further investigation is needed to confirm and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.