2-Methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SBCADD) is an autosomal recessive biochemical phenotype of L-isoleucine catabolism caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in ACADSB. Reduced mitochondrial SBCAD activity leads to accumulation of 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine, detected within the unresolved C5 signal in blood, and increased 2-methylbutyrylglycine (2-MBG) in urine. Because C5 includes isobaric isovalerylcarnitine and can also reflect pivaloylcarnitine, confirmatory biochemical and molecular testing is important to distinguish SBCADD from isovaleric acidemia or analytic interference. Newborn-screening cohorts are overwhelmingly clinically well, and current evidence supports a primarily biochemical, largely benign phenotype. Neurologic findings and acute metabolic decompensation have been reported in symptom-ascertained individuals, but their causal relationship to ACADSB deficiency remains unresolved. Clinical benefit from carnitine, protein restriction, or illness protocols has not been established. The c.1165A>G founder variant accounts for the high genotype-based birth prevalence in the Hmong population and is also enriched in some Miao and Dong populations.
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Conditions with similar clinical presentations that must be differentiated from 2-Methylbutyryl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency:
name: 2-Methylbutyryl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency
category: Mendelian
creation_date: '2026-02-23T00:00:00Z'
synonyms:
- Short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
- SBCADD
- SBCAD deficiency
- 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria
- 2-MBCDD
- 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
description: >-
2-Methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SBCADD) is an autosomal
recessive biochemical phenotype of L-isoleucine catabolism caused by
biallelic pathogenic variants in ACADSB. Reduced mitochondrial SBCAD activity
leads to accumulation of 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine, detected within the
unresolved C5 signal in blood, and increased 2-methylbutyrylglycine (2-MBG)
in urine. Because C5 includes isobaric isovalerylcarnitine and can also reflect
pivaloylcarnitine, confirmatory biochemical and molecular testing is important
to distinguish SBCADD from isovaleric acidemia or analytic interference.
Newborn-screening cohorts are overwhelmingly clinically well, and current
evidence supports a primarily biochemical, largely benign phenotype.
Neurologic findings and acute metabolic decompensation have been reported in
symptom-ascertained individuals, but their causal relationship to ACADSB
deficiency remains unresolved. Clinical benefit from carnitine, protein
restriction, or illness protocols has not been established. The c.1165A>G
founder variant accounts for the high genotype-based birth prevalence in the
Hmong population and is also enriched in some Miao and Dong populations.
disease_term:
preferred_term: 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
term:
id: MONDO:0012392
label: 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
parents:
- Organic Acidemia
- Inborn Error of Metabolism
prevalence:
- population: Hmong (Wisconsin, USA)
measure_type: BIRTH_PREVALENCE
prevalence_class: ABOVE_1_IN_1000
rate_per_100000: 1300.0
percentage: 1.3
notes: >-
Homozygosity for the founder c.1165A>G variant was found in 1.3% of
randomly sampled Hmong newborn screening cards. This is a genotype-based
birth-prevalence estimate, not clinical penetrance or C5-screen sensitivity.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:23712021
reference_title: >-
Prevalence and mutation analysis of short/branched chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency (SBCADD) detected on newborn screening in Wisconsin.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
This corresponds to a prevalence in this ethnic group of being homozygous
for the mutation of 1.3% (95% confidence interval 0.8-2.2%) and of being
heterozygous for the mutation of 21.8% (95% confidence interval
19.4-24.3%)
explanation: >-
Random newborn-card genotyping directly supplies the 1.3% homozygous estimate.
- population: Hmong c.1165A>G carriers (Wisconsin, USA)
measure_type: CARRIER_FREQUENCY
prevalence_class: ABOVE_1_IN_1000
rate_per_100000: 21800.0
notes: >-
Heterozygosity for the founder ACADSB c.1165A>G variant was found in 21.8%
of randomly sampled Hmong newborn screening cards. This carrier-frequency
record is distinct from homozygous genotype-based birth prevalence.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:23712021
reference_title: >-
Prevalence and mutation analysis of short/branched chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency (SBCADD) detected on newborn screening in Wisconsin.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
This corresponds to a prevalence in this ethnic group of being homozygous
for the mutation of 1.3% (95% confidence interval 0.8-2.2%) and of being
heterozygous for the mutation of 21.8% (95% confidence interval
19.4-24.3%)
explanation: >-
Random newborn-card genotyping directly supplies the 21.8% carrier frequency.
- population: Newborns, Huaihua, China
measure_type: BIRTH_PREVALENCE
prevalence_class: BAND_1_5_PER_10000
rate_per_100000: 14.0115
notes: >-
Birth prevalence was 1 in 7,137 in a 206,977-newborn screening cohort
(2015-2021); ascertainment may vary by ethnicity and C5 cutoff.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:38784038
reference_title: >-
206,977 newborn screening results reveal the ethnic differences in the
spectrum of inborn errors of metabolism in Huaihua, China.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The two most common disorders were 2-methylbutyryl glycinuria (1:7,137)
and phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency (1:22,997).
explanation: >-
One in 7,137 equals 14.0115 per 100,000 births.
- population: Newborns, Quanzhou, China (2014-2023)
measure_type: BIRTH_PREVALENCE
prevalence_class: BAND_1_9_PER_100000
rate_per_100000: 2.5944
notes: >-
Eighteen confirmed cases among 693,797 screened newborns (1 in 38,544) in
the updated 10-year cohort, superseding the earlier 2014-2018 subset estimate.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40835664
reference_title: >-
Large-scale newborn screening for organic acidemias in Quanzhou, China: a
10-year retrospective observational study.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
A total of 693,797 newborns were screened for OADs from 2014 to 2023
explanation: Supplies the denominator for the updated Quanzhou cohort.
- reference: PMID:40835664
reference_title: >-
Large-scale newborn screening for organic acidemias in Quanzhou, China: a
10-year retrospective observational study.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Seven types of OADs were identified, of which 18 were
2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MBAD)
explanation: >-
Eighteen of 693,797 equals 2.5944 per 100,000 births.
- population: Newborns, Zhejiang, China (2016-2021)
measure_type: BIRTH_PREVALENCE
prevalence_class: BAND_1_9_PER_1000000
rate_per_100000: 0.4394
notes: >-
Twelve screen-detected cases among 2,730,852 newborns (1 in 227,571),
illustrating geographic and ascertainment variation.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36709932
reference_title: >-
[Analysis of clinical features, biochemical indices and genetic variants
among children with Short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
deficiency detected by neonatal screening].
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Twelve cases of SBCAD deficiency were diagnosed, which yielded a
prevalence of 1/227 571.
explanation: >-
One in 227,571 equals 0.4394 per 100,000 births.
progression:
- phase: Newborn-screening ascertainment
age_range: Neonatal period
notes: >-
SBCADD is usually detected incidentally through elevated C5. Urine organic
acid or acylglycine analysis and ACADSB testing distinguish it from
isovaleric acidemia and pivalate-related C5 elevations. C5 and urinary
metabolites can vary, so a single normal follow-up value does not exclude
the biochemical phenotype.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:41722717
reference_title: >-
Outlook on ACADSB variants shaping metabolomic patterns and clinical
outcomes - experience from a Central European country.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Accurate differentiation from isovaleric acidemia and careful integration
of biochemical, genetic and clinical data remain essential.
explanation: >-
The current clinical series emphasizes integrated confirmation after the
nonspecific C5 screening signal.
- phase: Predominantly asymptomatic follow-up
age_range: Infancy through adulthood; long-term data remain limited
notes: >-
Most newborn-screened individuals remain clinically well. A 2019 review
counted symptoms in about 10% of published patients, but that literature is
enriched for symptom-ascertained cases and later cohorts question whether
the neurologic findings were caused by SBCADD. Isolated reports of acute
decompensation justify clinical awareness, but the absolute risk and benefit
of preventive treatment remain unknown.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20547083
reference_title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Our patients have been well without treatment and call for careful
follow-up studies to learn the true clinical impact of this disorder.
explanation: >-
Eleven newborn-screened non-Hmong patients remained well without treatment.
- reference: PMID:41722717
reference_title: >-
Outlook on ACADSB variants shaping metabolomic patterns and clinical
outcomes - experience from a Central European country.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Our findings support SBCADD as a primarily biochemical phenotype with a
largely benign course
explanation: >-
The newest clinical series supports a largely benign biochemical phenotype.
pathophysiology:
- name: ACADSB molecular function deficiency
description: >-
Biallelic pathogenic ACADSB variants reduce or abolish mitochondrial
short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity.
genes:
- preferred_term: ACADSB
term:
id: hgnc:91
label: ACADSB
molecular_functions:
- preferred_term: short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity
term:
id: GO:0003995
label: acyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity
modifier: DECREASED
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: L-isoleucine catabolic process
term:
id: GO:0006550
label: L-isoleucine catabolic process
modifier: DECREASED
locations:
- preferred_term: mitochondrion
term:
id: GO:0005739
label: mitochondrion
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11013134
reference_title: >-
Isolated 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria caused by short/branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency: identification of a new enzyme defect,
resolution of its molecular basis, and evidence for distinct acyl-CoA
dehydrogenases in isoleucine and valine metabolism.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
Enzyme assay of the patient's fibroblasts, using 2-methylbutyryl-CoA as
substrate, confirmed the defect.
explanation: >-
Patient fibroblasts directly demonstrated deficient SBCAD catalytic activity.
- reference: PMID:10832746
reference_title: >-
2-Methylbutyryl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency: a new inborn error of
L-isoleucine metabolism.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
Western blotting revealed absence of 2-MBCDase protein in fibroblast extracts
explanation: >-
A founding case showed loss of SBCAD protein in patient fibroblasts.
downstream:
- target: Impaired isoleucine catabolism via SBCAD loss-of-function
description: >-
Loss of SBCAD activity blocks dehydrogenation of (S)-2-methylbutyryl-CoA
in the proximal S-pathway of isoleucine oxidation.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11013134
reference_title: >-
Isolated 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria caused by short/branched-chain
acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: identification of a new enzyme defect,
resolution of its molecular basis, and evidence for distinct acyl-CoA
dehydrogenases in isoleucine and valine metabolism.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
show that it results in an isolated defect in isoleucine catabolism
explanation: >-
Functional and molecular experiments place ACADSB loss directly in
isoleucine catabolism.
- name: Impaired isoleucine catabolism via SBCAD loss-of-function
description: >-
The block at 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenation diverts upstream material
to C5 acylcarnitine and 2-methylbutyrylglycine conjugates and is associated
with flux through the minor R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: L-isoleucine catabolic process
term:
id: GO:0006550
label: L-isoleucine catabolic process
modifier: DECREASED
- preferred_term: branched-chain amino acid catabolic process
term:
id: GO:0009083
label: branched-chain amino acid catabolic process
modifier: DECREASED
chemical_entities:
- preferred_term: 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine
term:
id: CHEBI:73026
label: 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine
modifier: INCREASED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:15615815
reference_title: >-
2-ethylhydracrylic aciduria in short/branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency: application to diagnosis and implications for
the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Isolated excretion of 2-methylbutyrylglycine (2-MBG) is the hallmark of
short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SBCADD), a
recently identified defect in the proximal pathway of L-isoleucine oxidation.
explanation: >-
Patient biochemistry links the proximal isoleucine block to urinary 2-MBG.
downstream:
- target: Metabolic rerouting via the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation
description: >-
S-pathway metabolite overflow is associated with flux through the minor
R-pathway, although the responsible alternative enzyme is unresolved.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_KNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
intermediate_mechanisms:
- accumulation of 2-methylbutyryl-CoA-derived metabolites
evidence:
- reference: PMID:15615815
reference_title: >-
2-ethylhydracrylic aciduria in short/branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency: application to diagnosis and implications for
the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Approximately 40-46% of total 2-methylbutyric acid conjugates were in
the form of the R-isomer, indicating significant metabolism via the R-pathway.
explanation: >-
Chiral metabolite analysis in four patients demonstrated substantial R-pathway metabolism.
- target: C5-acylcarnitine signal in blood
description: >-
Accumulated 2-methylbutyryl-CoA is transferred to carnitine and contributes
to the unresolved C5 signal.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:31555323
reference_title: >-
Biochemical, Clinical, and Genetic Characteristics of Short/Branched
Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Chinese Patients by Newborn Screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
all patients showed slightly or moderately elevated C5-carnitine concentrations
explanation: >-
All 12 screen-detected cases in this cohort had elevated C5 initially.
- target: 2-Methylbutyrylglycine (2-MBG) in urine
description: >-
Glycine conjugation of accumulated 2-methylbutyryl-CoA-derived material
produces urinary 2-MBG.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:15615815
reference_title: >-
2-ethylhydracrylic aciduria in short/branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency: application to diagnosis and implications for
the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Isolated excretion of 2-methylbutyrylglycine (2-MBG) is the hallmark of
short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
explanation: Directly supports urinary 2-MBG as the pathway readout.
- target: 2-Methylbutyrylglycinuria
description: Increased urinary 2-MBG is the eponymous biochemical phenotype.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:15615815
reference_title: >-
2-ethylhydracrylic aciduria in short/branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency: application to diagnosis and implications for
the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Isolated excretion of 2-methylbutyrylglycine (2-MBG) is the hallmark of
short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
explanation: Directly supports the biochemical phenotype.
- target: Experimental 2-MBG-mediated neural oxidative stress
description: >-
Exogenous 2-MBG altered oxidative-stress measures in rat cortical
preparations and C6 cells; relevance to humans is unknown.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_KNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
intermediate_mechanisms:
- 2-methylbutyrylglycine exposure
evidence:
- reference: PMID:22967964
reference_title: >-
2-Methylbutyrylglycine induces lipid oxidative damage and decreases the
antioxidant defenses in rat brain.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
2MBG increased thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBA-RS), indicating
an increase of lipid oxidation.
explanation: >-
This edge is limited to the experimentally observed response and does
not assert a human neurologic outcome.
- target: Possible catabolic-stress susceptibility
description: >-
Acute decompensation has been described in isolated reports, but frequency
and causal attribution to ACADSB deficiency are uncertain.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30730842
reference_title: >-
Clinical, biochemical, and molecular spectrum of short/branched-chain
acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: two new cases and review of literature.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Catabolic situations can precipitate acute metabolic decompensation.
explanation: >-
The review reports possible stress-associated decompensation but does
not establish population risk.
- name: Metabolic rerouting via the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation
description: >-
In four patients, substantial R-isomer formation and urinary
2-ethylhydracrylic acid (2-EHA) indicated flux through the minor R-pathway.
The authors proposed, but did not prove, that this route acts as a metabolic
safety valve contributing to the benign course.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: L-isoleucine catabolic process
term:
id: GO:0006550
label: L-isoleucine catabolic process
locations:
- preferred_term: mitochondrion
term:
id: GO:0005739
label: mitochondrion
evidence:
- reference: PMID:15615815
reference_title: >-
2-ethylhydracrylic aciduria in short/branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency: application to diagnosis and implications for
the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Approximately 40-46% of total 2-methylbutyric acid conjugates were in the
form of the R-isomer, indicating significant metabolism via the R-pathway.
explanation: >-
Chiral analysis directly demonstrated R-pathway metabolism in a small series.
downstream:
- target: 2-Ethylhydracrylic acid (2-EHA) in urine
description: R-pathway flux produces urinary 2-EHA.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:15615815
reference_title: >-
2-ethylhydracrylic aciduria in short/branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency: application to diagnosis and implications for
the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
In multiple urine samples, organic acid analysis revealed a prominent
2-EHA peak usually exceeding the size of the 2-MBG peak.
explanation: Urine analysis directly supports 2-EHA as a pathway readout.
- target: 2-Ethylhydracrylic aciduria
description: Increased urinary 2-EHA is a diagnostic biochemical phenotype.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
evidence:
- reference: PMID:15615815
reference_title: >-
2-ethylhydracrylic aciduria in short/branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency: application to diagnosis and implications for
the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Awareness of 2-ethylhydracrylic aciduria as a diagnostic marker could
lead to increased detection of SBCADD
explanation: The study identifies 2-EHA excretion as a diagnostic marker.
- name: Experimental 2-MBG-mediated neural oxidative stress
description: >-
In-vitro exposure to 2-MBG increased lipid-oxidation measures and reduced
nonenzymatic antioxidant defenses in rat cerebral-cortex preparations and
C6 glioma cells. The experiments did not show C6-cell death and have not
been connected to neurologic outcomes in affected humans.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: response to oxidative stress
term:
id: GO:0006979
label: response to oxidative stress
- preferred_term: lipid oxidation
term:
id: GO:0034440
label: lipid oxidation
modifier: INCREASED
cell_types:
- preferred_term: glial cell
term:
id: CL:0000125
label: glial cell
evidence:
- reference: PMID:22967964
reference_title: >-
2-Methylbutyrylglycine induces lipid oxidative damage and decreases the
antioxidant defenses in rat brain.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
2MBG induced sulfhydryl oxidation in cortical supernatants and decreased
glutathione (GSH) in these brain preparations, as well as in C6 cells
explanation: >-
Rat cortical preparations and a cell line support oxidative changes caused
by exogenous 2-MBG.
- reference: PMID:22967964
reference_title: >-
2-Methylbutyrylglycine induces lipid oxidative damage and decreases the
antioxidant defenses in rat brain.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
we verified that 2MBG did not induce cell death in C6 cells.
explanation: >-
The negative result limits interpretation as a demonstrated injury mechanism.
- name: Possible catabolic-stress susceptibility
description: >-
Acute metabolic decompensation during catabolic stress has been reported,
principally in symptom-ascertained cases. Newborn-screening cohorts and a
2026 Central European series observed no attributable episodes, so the
absolute risk and mechanism remain unresolved.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30730842
reference_title: >-
Clinical, biochemical, and molecular spectrum of short/branched-chain
acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: two new cases and review of literature.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Acute metabolic decompensation due to catabolic stressors can occur, as
observed in one newly reported patient.
explanation: >-
One case supports a possible risk but cannot establish frequency or causality.
- reference: PMID:41722717
reference_title: >-
Outlook on ACADSB variants shaping metabolomic patterns and clinical
outcomes - experience from a Central European country.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Over the available follow-up period, no episodes of metabolic
decompensation were observed
explanation: >-
Absence of decompensation in the small current series supports uncertainty.
downstream:
- target: Metabolic acidosis
description: >-
Acute metabolic acidosis occurred in an early symptom-ascertained patient,
but attribution to SBCADD is uncertain.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20547083
reference_title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The first reported patient presented with acute metabolic acidosis at
three days of age
explanation: >-
The historical presentation supports the association while later cohorts
leave causal attribution unresolved.
phenotypes:
- name: Largely asymptomatic course
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
description: >-
Most individuals identified by newborn screening or family studies have
remained clinically well during available follow-up. A literature review
described about 10% of reported patients as symptomatic, corresponding to
about 90% without reported symptoms, but published cases are vulnerable to
ascertainment bias and do not establish lifetime risk.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30730842
reference_title: >-
Clinical, biochemical, and molecular spectrum of short/branched-chain
acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: two new cases and review of literature.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Based on our experience and the literature review (162 patients), SBCAD
deficiency is symptomatic in about 10% of reported patients.
explanation: >-
About 90% of reported patients had no reported symptoms, which maps to
VERY_FREQUENT; the explanation preserves the reported-patient denominator.
- reference: PMID:20547083
reference_title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Our patients have been well without treatment and call for careful
follow-up studies to learn the true clinical impact of this disorder.
explanation: >-
Eleven non-Hmong newborn-screened patients were clinically well without treatment.
- reference: PMID:41722717
reference_title: >-
Outlook on ACADSB variants shaping metabolomic patterns and clinical
outcomes - experience from a Central European country.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Our findings support SBCADD as a primarily biochemical phenotype with a
largely benign course
explanation: >-
A 2026 three-person series supports the same interpretation while not
resolving lifetime risk.
- name: Elevated C5-acylcarnitine on newborn screening
description: >-
Elevated C5 on tandem mass spectrometry is the usual screening trigger, not
a diagnosis of SBCADD. Standard C5 measurement does not resolve
2-methylbutyrylcarnitine from isovalerylcarnitine or pivaloylcarnitine, and
some genetically confirmed individuals have C5 below a program cutoff.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Elevated circulating C5 acylcarnitine concentration
term:
id: HP:0035019
label: Elevated circulating C5 acylcarnitine concentration
evidence:
- reference: PMID:31555323
reference_title: >-
Biochemical, Clinical, and Genetic Characteristics of Short/Branched Chain
Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Chinese Patients by Newborn Screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
all patients showed slightly or moderately elevated C5-carnitine concentrations
explanation: >-
C5 was the initial signal in all 12 screen-ascertained cases; selection
prevents a feature-frequency estimate.
- reference: PMID:40598537
reference_title: >-
Usefulness of levels of 2-methylbutyrylglycine and 2-ethylhydracrylic acid
in urine for diagnosing 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Ten individuals showed elevated C5 in blood, ranging from 0.32 to 1.64
µmol/L; the remaining two individuals showed C5 levels within the normal
reference range.
explanation: >-
Two of 12 genotyped cases had C5 within the local reference interval.
reports_on:
- target: C5-acylcarnitine signal in blood
relationship: READOUT_OF
direction: POSITIVE
endpoint_context: DIAGNOSTIC
interpretation: >-
Tandem mass spectrometry reports the unresolved C5-acylcarnitine signal;
standard C5 measurement does not identify which isomer is elevated.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:31555323
reference_title: >-
Biochemical, Clinical, and Genetic Characteristics of Short/Branched
Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Chinese Patients by Newborn Screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
all patients showed slightly or moderately elevated C5-carnitine concentrations
explanation: >-
The screening phenotype observationally reports the blood C5 signal in
this newborn-screened cohort.
- name: 2-Methylbutyrylglycinuria
diagnostic: true
description: >-
Increased urinary 2-methylbutyrylglycine (2-MBG) is the characteristic
acylglycine finding and a strong confirmatory marker, but excretion varies.
It should be interpreted with the C5 pattern and ACADSB molecular or enzyme evidence.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Organic aciduria
term:
id: HP:0001992
label: Organic aciduria
evidence:
- reference: PMID:15615815
reference_title: >-
2-ethylhydracrylic aciduria in short/branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency: application to diagnosis and implications for
the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Isolated excretion of 2-methylbutyrylglycine (2-MBG) is the hallmark of
short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SBCADD)
explanation: >-
The biochemical study identifies urinary 2-MBG as the characteristic finding.
- reference: PMID:40598537
reference_title: >-
Usefulness of levels of 2-methylbutyrylglycine and 2-ethylhydracrylic acid
in urine for diagnosing 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Both markers showed 100% diagnostic sensitivity, and 2-MBG showed
slightly higher specificity than 2-EHA
explanation: >-
In a small retrospective study of 12 genotyped cases and 166 selected
controls, 2-MBG detected all cases; external validation is needed.
- reference: PMID:36709932
reference_title: >-
[Analysis of clinical features, biochemical indices and genetic variants
among children with Short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
deficiency detected by neonatal screening].
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Urine organic acid analysis was carried out in 9 cases, and
2-methylbutyrylglycine was increased in 8 cases.
explanation: >-
Detection in eight of nine tested cases documents real-world variability.
- name: 2-Ethylhydracrylic aciduria
diagnostic: true
description: >-
Urinary 2-ethylhydracrylic acid (2-EHA) reflects increased flux through the
minor R-pathway and is a useful diagnostic adjunct. It is less specific
than 2-MBG and can occur in other inborn errors, so it must not be used alone.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: 2-ethylhydracrylic aciduria
term:
id: HP:0033220
label: 2-ethylhydracylic aciduria
evidence:
- reference: PMID:15615815
reference_title: >-
2-ethylhydracrylic aciduria in short/branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency: application to diagnosis and implications for
the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
In multiple urine samples, organic acid analysis revealed a prominent
2-EHA peak usually exceeding the size of the 2-MBG peak.
explanation: >-
Repeated samples from four patients established 2-EHA as a prominent finding.
- reference: PMID:40598537
reference_title: >-
Usefulness of levels of 2-methylbutyrylglycine and 2-ethylhydracrylic acid
in urine for diagnosing 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
the lower specificity of 2-EHA and the fact that it can be elevated in
several other congenital metabolic disorders means that it should be used
as a diagnostic marker only in conjunction with other markers and clinical factors.
explanation: >-
The diagnostic study directly limits 2-EHA to an adjunctive role.
- name: Developmental delay
description: >-
Developmental delay has been reported in symptom-ascertained individuals.
The same pathogenic genotype has also occurred in an asymptomatic newborn,
and later cohorts conclude that causal attribution is unestablished.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Global developmental delay
term:
id: HP:0001263
label: Global developmental delay
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12837870
reference_title: >-
Prospective diagnosis of 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in
the Hmong population by newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
One patient developed athetoid cerebral palsy, and another had severe
motor developmental delay with muscle atrophy.
explanation: >-
The early series documents co-occurrence, not causation.
- reference: PMID:20547083
reference_title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Notably, our one patient identified through an evaluation for significant
symptoms had the same SBCAD mutation as an asymptomatic newborn.
explanation: >-
Genotype discordance weakens causal attribution of developmental symptoms.
- name: Seizures
description: >-
Seizures have occurred in symptom-ascertained reports but have not been
shown to occur more often because of SBCADD. They are retained as a
historical association of uncertain causality.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Seizure
term:
id: HP:0001250
label: Seizure
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20547083
reference_title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The first reported patient presented with acute metabolic acidosis at
three days of age after an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery, and then
exhibited chronic seizures, abnormal movements, and developmental delay
explanation: >-
The full-text cohort documents the historical association while questioning causation.
- name: Muscular hypotonia
description: >-
Mild, sometimes transient hypotonia has been reported in a small number of
screen-detected individuals, insufficient to establish a characteristic phenotype.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hypotonia
term:
id: HP:0001252
label: Hypotonia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12837870
reference_title: >-
Prospective diagnosis of 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in
the Hmong population by newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Except for 1 patient who developed mild muscle hypotonia, all patients
remain asymptomatic at ages ranging from 3 to 14 months of age.
explanation: >-
One of eight screen-detected infants had mild hypotonia during short follow-up.
- name: Failure to thrive
description: >-
Failure to thrive appears in reviews of symptom-ascertained reports, but no
feature-specific denominator or causal evidence is available.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Failure to thrive
term:
id: HP:0001508
label: Failure to thrive
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30730842
reference_title: >-
Clinical, biochemical, and molecular spectrum of short/branched-chain
acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: two new cases and review of literature.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Clinical onset occurs in newborns or later in life with seizures,
developmental delay, hypotonia, and failure to thrive.
explanation: >-
The review documents a reported association, not attributable frequency.
- name: Microcephaly
description: >-
Microcephaly has been reported in a symptomatic child who also had evidence
of a primary neuronal migration defect; causality from SBCADD is uncertain.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Microcephaly
term:
id: HP:0000252
label: Microcephaly
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20547083
reference_title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
dysmorphic features including microcephaly (head circumference 46.5 cm; <3)
explanation: >-
The symptomatic child was directly documented to have microcephaly.
- reference: PMID:20547083
reference_title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
In addition the symptomatic patient had findings suggestive of a primary
neuronal migration defect.
explanation: >-
The alternative neurologic explanation argues against causal attribution.
- name: Autism
description: >-
Autism has co-occurred with biochemical or molecular SBCADD in isolated
individuals. Published cohorts explicitly state that causation is unestablished.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Autism
term:
id: HP:0000717
label: Autism
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20547083
reference_title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
One patient was reported to have autism and mental retardation, but
causation could not be established
explanation: >-
The full-text cohort explicitly rejects a causal inference from co-occurrence.
- name: Athetoid cerebral palsy
description: >-
Athetoid cerebral palsy was reported in one early patient; its causal
relationship to SBCADD remains uncertain.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12837870
reference_title: >-
Prospective diagnosis of 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in
the Hmong population by newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
One patient developed athetoid cerebral palsy, and another had severe
motor developmental delay with muscle atrophy.
explanation: >-
The early report establishes co-occurrence, not causal attribution.
- name: Skeletal muscle atrophy
description: >-
Skeletal muscle atrophy accompanied severe motor delay in one early case;
its relationship to SBCADD remains uncertain.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Skeletal muscle atrophy
term:
id: HP:0003202
label: Skeletal muscle atrophy
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12837870
reference_title: >-
Prospective diagnosis of 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in
the Hmong population by newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
One patient developed athetoid cerebral palsy, and another had severe
motor developmental delay with muscle atrophy.
explanation: >-
A single co-occurrence supports retaining the association with PARTIAL evidence.
- name: Metabolic acidosis
description: >-
Acute metabolic acidosis occurred in the first symptom-ascertained patient.
Later screen-detected cohorts were overwhelmingly well, leaving attributable risk unresolved.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Metabolic acidosis
term:
id: HP:0001942
label: Metabolic acidosis
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20547083
reference_title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The first reported patient presented with acute metabolic acidosis at
three days of age
explanation: >-
The historical case supports co-occurrence but does not quantify attributable risk.
biochemical:
- name: C5-acylcarnitine signal in blood
presence: INCREASED
context: >-
Elevated C5 is the usual newborn-screening signal. Standard tandem mass
spectrometry does not resolve 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine from
isovalerylcarnitine or pivaloylcarnitine, so it is a screening trigger
rather than proof of SBCADD. C5 can be normal in genetically confirmed cases.
readouts:
- target: Impaired isoleucine catabolism via SBCAD loss-of-function
relationship: READOUT_OF
direction: POSITIVE
endpoint_context: DIAGNOSTIC
interpretation: >-
In a confirmed case, 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine contributes to the unresolved
C5 signal and reports the upstream SBCAD-dependent isoleucine block.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20547083
reference_title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
isovaleryl- and 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine share the same mass/charge ratio
explanation: >-
The full-text discussion establishes why standard C5 requires confirmation.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40598537
reference_title: >-
Usefulness of levels of 2-methylbutyrylglycine and 2-ethylhydracrylic acid
in urine for diagnosing 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Ten individuals showed elevated C5 in blood, ranging from 0.32 to 1.64
µmol/L; the remaining two individuals showed C5 levels within the normal
reference range.
explanation: >-
C5 was within the local reference interval in two of 12 genotyped cases.
- name: 2-Methylbutyrylglycine (2-MBG) in urine
presence: INCREASED
context: >-
Urinary 2-MBG is the characteristic acylglycine marker and is more specific
than 2-EHA in the available diagnostic study. Excretion can vary, so
diagnosis should integrate urine findings with molecular or enzyme confirmation.
readouts:
- target: Impaired isoleucine catabolism via SBCAD loss-of-function
relationship: READOUT_OF
direction: POSITIVE
endpoint_context: DIAGNOSTIC
interpretation: >-
Urinary 2-MBG reports accumulation and glycine conjugation of
2-methylbutyryl-CoA-derived material upstream of the SBCAD block.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:15615815
reference_title: >-
2-ethylhydracrylic aciduria in short/branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency: application to diagnosis and implications for
the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Isolated excretion of 2-methylbutyrylglycine (2-MBG) is the hallmark of
short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SBCADD)
explanation: >-
This links the urinary conjugate to the proximal isoleucine-pathway defect.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40598537
reference_title: >-
Usefulness of levels of 2-methylbutyrylglycine and 2-ethylhydracrylic acid
in urine for diagnosing 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Both markers showed 100% diagnostic sensitivity, and 2-MBG showed
slightly higher specificity than 2-EHA
explanation: >-
All 12 genotyped cases in this retrospective study had detectable 2-MBG,
but the small selected sample limits generalization.
- name: 2-Ethylhydracrylic acid (2-EHA) in urine
presence: INCREASED
context: >-
Increased urinary 2-EHA is a readout of the minor R-pathway and can be
easier to detect than an acylglycine peak. It is not specific to SBCADD and
must be combined with 2-MBG, the acylcarnitine pattern, and confirmation.
readouts:
- target: Metabolic rerouting via the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation
relationship: READOUT_OF
direction: POSITIVE
endpoint_context: DIAGNOSTIC
interpretation: >-
Urinary 2-EHA reports R-pathway flux associated with interruption or
overflow of the predominant S-pathway.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:15615815
reference_title: >-
2-ethylhydracrylic aciduria in short/branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency: application to diagnosis and implications for
the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Approximately 40-46% of total 2-methylbutyric acid conjugates were in
the form of the R-isomer, indicating significant metabolism via the R-pathway.
explanation: >-
Chiral analysis in four patients directly supports R-pathway metabolism.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40598537
reference_title: >-
Usefulness of levels of 2-methylbutyrylglycine and 2-ethylhydracrylic acid
in urine for diagnosing 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
it should be used as a diagnostic marker only in conjunction with other
markers and clinical factors.
explanation: >-
The diagnostic study limits 2-EHA to a combined-marker role.
genetic:
- name: ACADSB pathogenic variants
gene_term:
preferred_term: ACADSB
term:
id: hgnc:91
label: ACADSB
association: Pathogenic Variants
inheritance:
- name: Autosomal recessive
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12837870
reference_title: >-
Prospective diagnosis of 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in
the Hmong population by newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, also known as
short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SBCAD) deficiency, is a
recently described autosomal recessive disorder of L-isoleucine metabolism.
explanation: Directly states autosomal recessive inheritance.
variants:
- name: c.1165A>G (exon 10 skipping), Hmong founder variant
description: >-
c.1165A>G causes exon 10 skipping and is a founder variant in the Hmong
population. In random Wisconsin Hmong newborn cards, 1.3% were homozygous
and 21.8% heterozygous. The variant is enriched in Miao and Dong groups in
China, but those data do not prove a separate founder event.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12837870
reference_title: >-
Prospective diagnosis of 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in
the Hmong population by newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Molecular genetic analysis performed for 3 of these patients revealed
that all are homozygous for an 1165A>G mutation that causes skipping of
exon 10 of the SBCAD gene.
explanation: Directly supports the exon-skipping effect.
- reference: PMID:23712021
reference_title: >-
Prevalence and mutation analysis of short/branched chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency (SBCADD) detected on newborn screening in Wisconsin.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
This corresponds to a prevalence in this ethnic group of being
homozygous for the mutation of 1.3% (95% confidence interval 0.8-2.2%)
and of being heterozygous for the mutation of 21.8% (95% confidence
interval 19.4-24.3%)
explanation: >-
Random newborn-card genotyping supplies the Hmong homozygote and carrier estimates.
- reference: PMID:38784038
reference_title: >-
206,977 newborn screening results reveal the ethnic differences in the
spectrum of inborn errors of metabolism in Huaihua, China.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
NM_001609.4:c.1165A>G in the ACADSB gene for Miao and Dong ethnic groups
explanation: >-
The cohort identifies ethnic enrichment but not an independent founder event.
- name: c.303+3A>G, Somali/Eritrean population-enriched splice variant
description: >-
The intron 3 c.303+3A>G splice-region variant was observed homozygously in
a Somali child and in two previously reported people of Somali and
Eritrean origin. This small case series suggests population enrichment but
does not establish a founder effect or penetrance for neurologic findings.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:17883863
reference_title: >-
2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency associated with autism and
mental retardation: a case report.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
This mutation was also found in two previously reported cases with
SBCADD, both originating from Somalia and Eritrea, indicating that it is
relatively prevalent in this population.
explanation: >-
The report supports recurrence of c.303+3A>G in people of Somali and
Eritrean origin while leaving the population frequency uncertain.
- name: Diverse ACADSB loss-of-function and missense variants
description: >-
Nonsense, splice, frameshift, and missense variants occur outside the
Hmong founder background. Expression studies of selected missense alleles
demonstrated inactive or unstable SBCAD protein; genotype-phenotype
correlations remain unresolved.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20547083
reference_title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
Escherichia coli expression studies revealed that the missense mutations
identified lead to inactivation or instability of the mutant SBCAD enzymes.
explanation: >-
Functional expression assays support loss of function for selected alleles.
features: >-
Biallelic pathogenic ACADSB variants reduce the activity or stability of the
mitochondrial short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase. The gene-disease
relationship is definitive, but variant class does not currently predict
whether an individual will have attributable clinical symptoms.
evidence:
- reference: CGGV:assertion_8bfa3857-c96c-40ac-b4c1-2cf04fd4eb4f-2019-03-22T160000.000Z
reference_title: >-
ACADSB / 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (Definitive)
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: >-
ACADSB | HGNC:91 | 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency |
MONDO:0012392 | AR | Definitive
explanation: >-
ClinGen classifies the autosomal-recessive gene-disease relationship as definitive.
treatments:
- name: Carnitine supplementation
description: >-
L-carnitine has been used or proposed to support acyl-group conjugation. A
two-patient report used
100 mg/kg/day, and a small longitudinal cohort observed biochemical changes,
but no controlled evidence shows clinical benefit and routine treatment of
clinically well individuals is not established.
action_category: THERAPEUTIC
treatment_term:
preferred_term: carnitine supplementation
term:
id: NCIT:C15433
label: Nutritional Support
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: (R)-carnitine
term:
id: CHEBI:16347
label: (R)-carnitine
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30730842
reference_title: >-
Clinical, biochemical, and molecular spectrum of short/branched-chain
acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: two new cases and review of literature.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Longitudinal biochemical monitoring of the two patients while on treatment
with carnitine (100 mg/kg/day) was provided.
explanation: >-
This documents use in two cases, not an evidence-based dose range or efficacy.
- reference: PMID:36147814
reference_title: >-
Long-term monitoring for short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
deficiency: A single-center 4-year experience and open issues.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
the effects of proposed treatments remain uncertain as follow-data are lacking.
explanation: >-
The longitudinal study explicitly states that treatment effects remain uncertain.
- name: Precautionary fasting avoidance and illness plan
description: >-
Avoiding prolonged fasting and providing an illness or emergency plan have
been proposed because isolated decompensations occurred during catabolic
stress. This is a precaution based on uncertain risk, not a strategy with
demonstrated outcome benefit in SBCADD.
action_category: THERAPEUTIC
treatment_term:
preferred_term: supportive care
term:
id: NCIT:C15747
label: Supportive Care
target_mechanisms:
- target: Possible catabolic-stress susceptibility
treatment_effect: MODULATES
description: >-
The plan is intended to reduce catabolic stress if susceptibility is real;
both the mechanism and treatment benefit remain unproven.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30730842
reference_title: >-
Clinical, biochemical, and molecular spectrum of short/branched-chain
acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: two new cases and review of literature.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Providing an emergency protocol for the management of acute catabolic
episodes seems reasonable in asymptomatic patients with SBCAD deficiency.
explanation: >-
“Seems reasonable” is precautionary opinion rather than measured efficacy.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20547083
reference_title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
it would seem more prudent to continue a normal diet in these infants but
also have the family maintain some level of vigilance during intercurrent illnesses.
explanation: >-
The cohort authors advise illness vigilance while emphasizing uncertainty.
- name: Dietary management
description: >-
Routine protein restriction for an asymptomatic person is not supported by
outcome evidence. Early screen-detected infants received presymptomatic
dietary treatment, but efficacy was explicitly unestablished; one autism
case had no measurable benefit from a five-month low-protein trial.
action_category: THERAPEUTIC
therapeutic_modality: BEHAVIORAL
treatment_term:
preferred_term: dietary intervention
term:
id: NCIT:C15447
label: Dietary Intervention
target_mechanisms:
- target: Impaired isoleucine catabolism via SBCAD loss-of-function
treatment_effect: MODULATES
description: >-
Protein or isoleucine restriction could reduce precursor input, but no
clinical benefit has been demonstrated.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12837870
reference_title: >-
Prospective diagnosis of 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in
the Hmong population by newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The continued efficacy of long-term dietary therapy instituted
presymptomatically remains to be established.
explanation: The early treated cohort could not establish efficacy.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:17883863
reference_title: >-
2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency associated with autism and
mental retardation: a case report.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
No beneficial effect was detected after 5 months with a low protein diet.
explanation: >-
A single case found no short-term benefit and cannot resolve other outcomes.
- reference: PMID:20547083
reference_title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
disruptive dietary manipulations for infants identified by newborn
screening are of questionable indication.
explanation: >-
The untreated cohort questions routine restrictive diets in clinically well infants.
- name: Valproate avoidance (theoretical precaution)
description: >-
Valproyl-CoA competitively inhibits purified human SBCAD and is also an
SBCAD substrate in vitro. Some reviews therefore advise avoidance, but no
SBCADD-specific clinical evidence shows valproate-induced decompensation;
medication decisions should be individualized with specialists.
action_category: THERAPEUTIC
evidence:
- reference: PMID:21430231
reference_title: >-
Role of isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase and short branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase in the metabolism of valproic acid: implications for the
branched-chain amino acid oxidation pathway.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
valproyl-CoA did inhibit SBCAD activity by a purely competitive mechanism
with a K(i) of 249 ± 29 μM.
explanation: >-
Purified-enzyme experiments support the theoretical biochemical precaution.
- reference: PMID:30730842
reference_title: >-
Clinical, biochemical, and molecular spectrum of short/branched-chain
acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: two new cases and review of literature.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Carnitine supplementation and valproate avoidance appear to be indicated.
explanation: >-
This is a review recommendation without SBCADD-specific clinical outcome data.
- name: Newborn screening via tandem mass spectrometry
description: >-
Expanded newborn screening can detect an elevated unresolved C5 signal and
thereby incidentally identify SBCADD while screening for serious isovaleric
acidemia. Every abnormal C5 result requires prompt confirmation; the cutoff
can miss some ACADSB homozygotes.
action_category: SCREENING
treatment_term:
preferred_term: disease screening
term:
id: NCIT:C15419
label: Disease Screening
evidence:
- reference: PMID:12837870
reference_title: >-
Prospective diagnosis of 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in
the Hmong population by newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
These cases suggest that SBCAD deficiency is another inborn error of
metabolism detectable by newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry.
explanation: Establishes detectability by tandem mass spectrometry.
- reference: PMID:23712021
reference_title: >-
Prevalence and mutation analysis of short/branched chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency (SBCADD) detected on newborn screening in Wisconsin.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Detection of homozygous individuals who were not identified on newborn
screening suggests that the C5 screening cut-off would need to be as low
as 0.20μmol/L to detect all infants homozygous for the ACADSB c.1165 A>G mutation.
explanation: >-
Genotype ascertainment demonstrates imperfect sensitivity of the C5 cutoff.
- name: Genetic counseling
description: >-
Counseling should explain autosomal-recessive inheritance, a 25% recurrence
risk when both parents carry a pathogenic variant, familial testing options,
the high c.1165A>G carrier frequency in Hmong people, and uncertain penetrance.
action_category: COUNSELING_INFORMATIONAL
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Genetic Counseling
term:
id: NCIT:C15240
label: Genetic Counseling
evidence:
- reference: PMID:23712021
reference_title: >-
Prevalence and mutation analysis of short/branched chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency (SBCADD) detected on newborn screening in Wisconsin.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
being heterozygous for the mutation of 21.8% (95% confidence interval
19.4-24.3%)
explanation: >-
The high Hmong carrier frequency makes population-aware counseling relevant.
- name: Longitudinal clinical follow-up
description: >-
Periodic clinical assessment is reasonable to document development,
intercurrent illnesses, and treatment exposure because natural history is
incompletely defined. It should not be presented as surveillance for
established late neurologic complications, which have not been causally linked.
action_category: MONITORING
treatment_term:
preferred_term: clinical monitoring
term:
id: NCIT:C124351
label: Clinical Evaluation
evidence:
- reference: PMID:31555323
reference_title: >-
Biochemical, Clinical, and Genetic Characteristics of Short/Branched Chain
Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Chinese Patients by Newborn Screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
longitudinal follow-up may be helpful to further define the natural history of SBCADD.
explanation: >-
Follow-up is framed as natural-history data collection under uncertainty.
diagnosis:
- name: Follow-up of an elevated C5 newborn screen
description: >-
An elevated C5 result requires prompt follow-up because standard tandem mass
spectrometry cannot distinguish 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine from
isovalerylcarnitine, and pivaloylcarnitine can cause an analytic false
positive. C5 magnitude and ratios may inform triage but do not establish SBCADD.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: clinical assessment
term:
id: NCIT:C124351
label: Clinical Evaluation
results: >-
An unresolved elevated C5 signal prompts evaluation for SBCADD, isovaleric
acidemia, and pivalate-related interference.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:23499962
reference_title: UPLC-MS/MS analysis of C5-acylcarnitines in dried blood spots.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
further differentiation of C5-acylcarnitines in order to separate
different metabolic disorders and to detect interferents like pivalic acid
originating from antibiotics.
explanation: >-
The study establishes both C5-isomer resolution and pivalate interference.
- name: Urine organic-acid and acylglycine analysis
description: >-
Urinary 2-MBG strongly supports SBCADD; 2-EHA is a sensitive but less
specific adjunct. Normal or fluctuating values do not alone exclude the
condition, and the whole pattern distinguishes other isoleucine disorders.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: clinical assessment
term:
id: NCIT:C124351
label: Clinical Evaluation
results: >-
Increased 2-MBG, often with 2-EHA and without isovalerylglycine, supports SBCADD.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40598537
reference_title: >-
Usefulness of levels of 2-methylbutyrylglycine and 2-ethylhydracrylic acid
in urine for diagnosing 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
The urinary markers 2-MBG and 2-EHA show similar sensitivity for
diagnosing 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria, but the lower specificity of 2-EHA
and the fact that it can be elevated in several other congenital metabolic disorders
explanation: >-
The 12-case study supports both markers while directly limiting 2-EHA.
- name: ACADSB molecular genetic testing
description: >-
Identification of biallelic pathogenic ACADSB variants confirms the
molecular diagnosis in a person with a concordant biochemical profile.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: molecular genetic testing
term:
id: NCIT:C19770
label: Molecular Analysis
results: >-
Biallelic pathogenic or likely pathogenic ACADSB variants confirm the
molecular diagnosis.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40598537
reference_title: >-
Usefulness of levels of 2-methylbutyrylglycine and 2-ethylhydracrylic acid
in urine for diagnosing 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
12 individuals diagnosed with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria based on ACADSB genotyping
explanation: >-
The diagnostic-marker study used ACADSB genotyping to define its case group.
- name: SBCAD enzyme activity testing
description: >-
When molecular results are incomplete or uncertain, direct SBCAD activity
in patient fibroblasts can demonstrate the functional biochemical defect.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: clinical assessment
term:
id: NCIT:C124351
label: Clinical Evaluation
results: >-
Deficient activity toward 2-methylbutyryl-CoA supports functional confirmation.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:11013134
reference_title: >-
Isolated 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria caused by short/branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency: identification of a new enzyme defect,
resolution of its molecular basis, and evidence for distinct acyl-CoA
dehydrogenases in isoleucine and valine metabolism.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
snippet: >-
Enzyme assay of the patient's fibroblasts, using 2-methylbutyryl-CoA as
substrate, confirmed the defect.
explanation: Directly demonstrates functional confirmation.
differential_diagnoses:
- name: Isovaleric acidemia
description: >-
Isovaleric acidemia is the urgent disease differential for elevated C5
because isovalerylcarnitine and 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine are isobaric.
distinguishing_features:
- Isovalerylglycine and 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid favor isovaleric acidemia; 2-MBG favors SBCADD.
- Pathogenic IVD variants support isovaleric acidemia; ACADSB findings support SBCADD.
disease_term:
preferred_term: isovaleric acidemia
term:
id: MONDO:0009475
label: isovaleric acidemia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:20547083
reference_title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
it is crucial to differentiate it from isovaleric acidemia as isovaleryl-
and 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine share the same mass/charge ratio
explanation: Identifies the clinically important isobaric differential.
- name: Pivaloylcarnitine interference
description: >-
Maternal or infant exposure to pivalate-containing products can produce a C5
signal without SBCADD or isovaleric acidemia.
distinguishing_features:
- Chromatographic second-tier testing identifies pivaloylcarnitine as the C5 isomer.
- Urinary disease-specific metabolites and confirmatory genotypes are absent.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:23499962
reference_title: UPLC-MS/MS analysis of C5-acylcarnitines in dried blood spots.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Pivaloylcarnitine was identified in 43 samples, isovalerylcarnitine was
found in two samples.
explanation: >-
Pivaloylcarnitine accounted for most retested C5 elevations in this population.
- name: Other disorders with 2-EHA aciduria
description: >-
2-EHA is not specific to SBCADD and can be elevated in distal isoleucine
defects and other organic acid disorders, including beta-ketothiolase
deficiency, 2-methyl-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency,
methylmalonic acidemia, ethylmalonic encephalopathy, and Barth syndrome.
distinguishing_features:
- A complete urine organic-acid profile reveals disorder-specific companion metabolites.
- Molecular or enzyme testing should follow the pattern rather than 2-EHA alone.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:40598537
reference_title: >-
Usefulness of levels of 2-methylbutyrylglycine and 2-ethylhydracrylic acid
in urine for diagnosing 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
it should be used as a diagnostic marker only in conjunction with other
markers and clinical factors.
explanation: >-
The diagnostic study warns that multiple disorders can produce 2-EHA.
- reference: PMID:20547083
reference_title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Three other disorders also accumulate 2-EHA in blood: β-ketothiolase,
ethylmalonic encephalopathy, and Barth syndrome, though other metabolites
distinguish these disorders from SBCAD deficiency
explanation: >-
This supports the named additional differentials and the need to interpret
their full metabolite patterns.
discussions:
- discussion_id: openq_sbcadd_clinical_significance
prompt: >-
Are neurologic findings and catabolic decompensation causally attributable
to ACADSB deficiency, and what is the lifetime penetrance of clinically
meaningful disease among screen-detected individuals?
kind: KNOWLEDGE_GAP
status: OPEN
attaches_to:
- phenotypes#Largely asymptomatic course
- phenotypes#Developmental delay
- phenotypes#Seizures
- phenotypes#Autism
- phenotypes#Metabolic acidosis
- pathophysiology#Possible catabolic-stress susceptibility
rationale: >-
Symptom-ascertained reports describe neurologic disease and occasional
decompensation, whereas newborn-screening cohorts are overwhelmingly well
and include symptomatic people sharing genotypes with asymptomatic people.
Authors explicitly question causation, and follow-up is too short and
heterogeneous to estimate lifetime penetrance.
proposed_experiments:
- experiment_id: exp_sbcadd_natural_history_registry
name: Genotype-first prospective natural-history registry
description: >-
Enroll newborn-screened and genotype-ascertained individuals irrespective
of symptoms; collect uniform developmental, neurologic, illness,
biochemical, genomic, and treatment data with population comparators.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:31555323
reference_title: >-
Biochemical, Clinical, and Genetic Characteristics of Short/Branched Chain
Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Chinese Patients by Newborn Screening.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
the association between SBCADD and the presence of symptoms has not yet been established.
explanation: The cohort states the central causal uncertainty directly.
- reference: PMID:41722717
reference_title: >-
Outlook on ACADSB variants shaping metabolomic patterns and clinical
outcomes - experience from a Central European country.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
Our findings support SBCADD as a primarily biochemical phenotype with a
largely benign course
explanation: The newest series reinforces the biochemical-disease distinction.
posed_date: "2026-07-14T00:00:00Z"
- discussion_id: gap_sbcadd_management_effectiveness
prompt: >-
Do carnitine, fasting or illness protocols, dietary restriction, or
valproate avoidance improve patient-important outcomes in SBCADD?
kind: KNOWLEDGE_GAP
status: OPEN
attaches_to:
- treatments#Carnitine supplementation
- treatments#Precautionary fasting avoidance and illness plan
- treatments#Dietary management
- treatments#Valproate avoidance (theoretical precaution)
rationale: >-
Studies are uncontrolled, combine interventions, and mainly report
metabolite values in asymptomatic children. Recommendations are based on
plausibility and precaution rather than demonstrated clinical prevention.
proposed_experiments:
- experiment_id: exp_sbcadd_management_comparison
name: Prospective pragmatic management comparison
description: >-
Within a multicenter natural-history network, compare prespecified
strategies using clinical outcomes, treatment burden, adverse effects,
free carnitine, and metabolite trajectories, adjusting for indication.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:36147814
reference_title: >-
Long-term monitoring for short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
deficiency: A single-center 4-year experience and open issues.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
the effects of proposed treatments remain uncertain as follow-data are lacking.
explanation: >-
The longitudinal cohort explicitly identifies effectiveness as unresolved.
- reference: PMID:17883863
reference_title: >-
2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency associated with autism and
mental retardation: a case report.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: >-
No beneficial effect was detected after 5 months with a low protein diet.
explanation: >-
The only cited within-person diet trial was negative and too small to resolve efficacy.
posed_date: "2026-07-14T00:00:00Z"
notes: >-
Manual evidence review completed 2026-07-14. Every reference linked by the
prior entry was checked against its local cache; duplicate DOI/PMID records
and unrelated mechanistic papers were removed, and newer primary studies were
added through the repository reference-fetch workflow. The evidence supports
a definitive ACADSB biochemical defect but does not establish that the rare
reported neurologic findings are attributable to it. Follow-up in most
newborn-screening cohorts is limited to childhood, so “largely benign” should
not be read as proof of zero lifetime risk. The Hmong c.1165A>G founder effect
is well supported; enrichment in Miao and Dong groups is not labeled as a
separate founder effect. Carnitine, restrictive diet, illness protocols, and
valproate avoidance lack SBCADD-specific clinical outcome evidence. The
2-MBG oxidative-stress branch is restricted to exogenous-metabolite
experiments in rat cortical preparations and C6 cells and is not connected to
human phenotypes.
references:
- reference: CGGV:assertion_8bfa3857-c96c-40ac-b4c1-2cf04fd4eb4f-2019-03-22T160000.000Z
title: ACADSB / 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (Definitive)
- reference: PMID:10832746
title: >-
2-Methylbutyryl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency: a new inborn error of
L-isoleucine metabolism.
- reference: PMID:11013134
title: >-
Isolated 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria caused by short/branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency: identification of a new enzyme defect, resolution
of its molecular basis, and evidence for distinct acyl-CoA dehydrogenases in
isoleucine and valine metabolism.
- reference: PMID:12837870
title: >-
Prospective diagnosis of 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in the
Hmong population by newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry.
- reference: PMID:15615815
title: >-
2-ethylhydracrylic aciduria in short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
deficiency: application to diagnosis and implications for the R-pathway of
isoleucine oxidation.
- reference: PMID:17883863
title: >-
2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency associated with autism and
mental retardation: a case report.
- reference: PMID:20547083
title: >-
Characterization of new ACADSB gene sequence mutations and clinical
implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by
newborn screening.
- reference: PMID:21430231
title: >-
Role of isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase and short branched-chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase in the metabolism of valproic acid: implications for the
branched-chain amino acid oxidation pathway.
- reference: PMID:22967964
title: >-
2-Methylbutyrylglycine induces lipid oxidative damage and decreases the
antioxidant defenses in rat brain.
- reference: PMID:23499962
title: UPLC-MS/MS analysis of C5-acylcarnitines in dried blood spots.
- reference: PMID:23712021
title: >-
Prevalence and mutation analysis of short/branched chain acyl-CoA
dehydrogenase deficiency (SBCADD) detected on newborn screening in Wisconsin.
- reference: PMID:30730842
title: >-
Clinical, biochemical, and molecular spectrum of short/branched-chain
acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: two new cases and review of literature.
- reference: PMID:31555323
title: >-
Biochemical, Clinical, and Genetic Characteristics of Short/Branched Chain
Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Chinese Patients by Newborn Screening.
- reference: PMID:36147814
title: >-
Long-term monitoring for short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
deficiency: A single-center 4-year experience and open issues.
- reference: PMID:36709932
title: >-
[Analysis of clinical features, biochemical indices and genetic variants
among children with Short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
detected by neonatal screening].
- reference: PMID:38784038
title: >-
206,977 newborn screening results reveal the ethnic differences in the
spectrum of inborn errors of metabolism in Huaihua, China.
- reference: PMID:40598537
title: >-
Usefulness of levels of 2-methylbutyrylglycine and 2-ethylhydracrylic acid
in urine for diagnosing 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria.
- reference: PMID:40835664
title: >-
Large-scale newborn screening for organic acidemias in Quanzhou, China: a
10-year retrospective observational study.
- reference: PMID:41722717
title: >-
Outlook on ACADSB variants shaping metabolomic patterns and clinical
outcomes - experience from a Central European country.
Question: You are an expert researcher providing comprehensive, well-cited information.
Provide detailed information focusing on: 1. Key concepts and definitions with current understanding 2. Recent developments and latest research (prioritize 2023-2024 sources) 3. Current applications and real-world implementations 4. Expert opinions and analysis from authoritative sources 5. Relevant statistics and data from recent studies
Format as a comprehensive research report with proper citations. Include URLs and publication dates where available. Always prioritize recent, authoritative sources and provide specific citations for all major claims.
Please provide a comprehensive research report on the pathophysiology of 2-Methylbutyryl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency. Focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying disease progression.
Structure your response as a narrative that could be used to populate a disease knowledge base entry with: - Pathophysiology description - Gene/protein annotations with ontology terms (HGNC, GO) - Phenotype associations (HP terms) - Cell type involvement (CL terms) - Anatomical locations (UBERON terms) - Chemical entities (CHEBI terms) - Evidence items with PMIDs
Comprehensive Research Report: 2‑Methylbutyryl‑CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SBCAD deficiency; “2‑methylbutyrylglycinuria”)
Publication scope and evidence base This report synthesizes mechanistic and clinical pathophysiology evidence from primary literature and authoritative reviews, emphasizing the most recent available disease-specific sources retrieved (notably a 2024 population newborn-screening study and a 2023 mechanistic cell-model paper), plus key foundational work defining biomarkers and pathways. (houten2023acyl‐coadehydrogenasesubstrate pages 6-8, xiao2024206977newbornscreening pages 1-2)
Disease definition and identifiers • Disease entity: 2‑methylbutyryl‑CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (also called short/branched-chain acyl‑CoA dehydrogenase deficiency; SBCADD/SBCAD deficiency). (porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 1-2) • MONDO: MONDO_0012392 (2‑methylbutyryl‑CoA dehydrogenase deficiency) (derived from Open Targets disease record for this entity; evidence snippets were not returned, but the MONDO identifier itself was returned by the tool call). (calcar2013prevalenceandmutation pages 1-3) • OMIM: sources variably cite OMIM 600301 and/or 610006 for SBCAD deficiency; some texts also use OMIM 600301 for the gene entry and OMIM 610006 for the disease phenotype entry. (lin2019biochemicalclinicaland pages 1-2, porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 1-2)
Core biochemical concept SBCAD deficiency is an inborn error of branched-chain amino acid metabolism in which the mitochondrial acyl‑CoA dehydrogenase SBCAD (encoded by ACADSB) has impaired activity in the proximal pathway of L‑isoleucine oxidation. A defining biochemical hallmark is increased urinary 2‑methylbutyrylglycine (2‑MBG), and patients are often detected by elevated C5 acylcarnitine on MS/MS newborn screening (recognizing that “C5” is isobaric with isovalerylcarnitine). (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 5-7)
2.1 Primary pathophysiological mechanisms Primary lesion: mitochondrial SBCAD (ACADSB) loss-of-function SBCAD is a mitochondrial acyl‑CoA dehydrogenase (ACAD) family enzyme. ACAD enzymes catalyze α,β‑dehydrogenation of acyl‑CoAs and transfer electrons to electron transferring flavoprotein (ETF). (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 1-2)
Block in isoleucine oxidation with metabolite accumulation and “overflow” routes • The metabolic block leads to accumulation of upstream metabolites that are diverted to measurable diagnostic conjugates, including C5 (2‑methylbutyrylcarnitine), urinary 2‑MBG (2‑methylbutyrylglycine), and urinary 2‑ethylhydracrylic acid (2‑EHA). (korman20052ethylhydracrylicaciduriain pages 2-3, jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 5-7) • A central mechanistic hypothesis explaining variable severity is partial compensation via alternative enzymes/pathways and stereochemical “R‑pathway” flux. Korman et al. report that 2‑EHA (a normally minor R‑pathway intermediate) is prominent in SBCADD urine and that this “raises questions regarding the presumed role of SBCAD in the R‑pathway of isoleucine oxidation,” implying compensatory enzymology and rerouting. (korman20052ethylhydracrylicaciduriain pages 2-3) • Pathway schematic evidence: Figure 1 in Korman et al. depicts the S‑ and R‑pathways of L‑isoleucine catabolism and highlights 2‑MBG and 2‑EHA as accumulating/diagnostic metabolites. (korman20052ethylhydracrylicaciduriain media 5fdd71b3)
Stress-sensitive phenotype model A mechanistic interpretation in the review literature is that overlapping substrate specificity (“compensation by other ACAD enzymes”) may mask biochemical consequences at baseline but may fail during metabolic stress (infection/fasting), contributing to sporadic decompensation in a minority of patients. (korman2006inbornerrorsof pages 8-9)
2.2 Dysregulated pathways • Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism: L‑isoleucine oxidation (proximal steps; S‑pathway and minor R‑pathway). (korman20052ethylhydracrylicaciduriain pages 1-2, korman20052ethylhydracrylicaciduriain media 5fdd71b3) • Mitochondrial acyl‑CoA dehydrogenation / fatty‑acid-oxidation–adjacent electron-transfer processes via ETF (shared biochemical machinery across ACAD enzymes). (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 1-2)
2.3 Cellular processes affected • Mitochondrial substrate processing and redox electron transfer during acyl‑CoA dehydrogenation (via ETF). (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 1-2) • Metabolic rerouting and detoxification via conjugation (acylcarnitine formation; glycine conjugation) producing C5‑carnitine and 2‑MBG. (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 5-7)
3.1 Genes / proteins (HGNC) • ACADSB (protein: short/branched-chain acyl‑CoA dehydrogenase; SBCAD). ACADSB is reported on chromosome 10q26.13 and comprises 11 exons. (wanders2015branchedchainamino pages 10-12) • Enzyme features: SBCAD is a homotetrameric mitochondrial ACAD; the crystal structure context supports flavin (FAD) binding and structural sensitivity of pathogenic variants. (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 11-14)
Functional evidence for loss-of-function variants • In vitro mutagenesis and heterologous expression studies support that multiple ACADSB missense variants destabilize protein and/or abolish activity. For example, Jaffar et al. describe variants that were “minimally or not detectable” by Western blot and show markedly reduced enzyme activity relative to wild type in recombinant assays. (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 11-14, jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 2-4)
Population founder variant • ACADSB c.1165A>G is repeatedly implicated as a high-frequency/founder allele in specific populations (Hmong in the US; multiple Chinese ethnic groups). (calcar2013prevalenceandmutation pages 4-6, xiao2024206977newbornscreening pages 1-2)
3.2 Chemical entities / metabolites (CHEBI-style) Key diagnostic/biomarker metabolites in this disorder include: • C5 acylcarnitine (2‑methylbutyrylcarnitine; isobaric with isovalerylcarnitine on many MS/MS workflows). (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 5-7) • 2‑methylbutyrylglycine (2‑MBG) in urine (hallmark). (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 5-7, porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 1-2) • 2‑ethylhydracrylic acid (2‑EHA) in urine (prominent R‑pathway marker; sensitive but not fully specific). (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 5-7, korman20052ethylhydracrylicaciduriain pages 2-3)
Drug-relevant small molecules • Valproate: Porta et al. state “valproate avoidance appear to be indicated,” and also note biochemical rationale that valproyl‑CoA can be a substrate of SBCAD, supporting an expert-opinion contraindication/avoidance approach. (porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 1-2, porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 3-5)
3.3 Cell types (CL) and anatomical locations (UBERON) Evidence in the retrieved sources primarily supports a systemic mitochondrial metabolic defect with clinically relevant readouts in: • Blood (dried blood spots for acylcarnitines; plasma acylcarnitines). (matern2003prospectivediagnosisof pages 2-4, jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 5-7) • Urine (organic acids/acylglycines, including 2‑MBG and 2‑EHA). (porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 1-2, korman20052ethylhydracrylicaciduriain pages 2-3) • Cultured skin fibroblasts are used for confirmatory enzyme and acylcarnitine studies. (matern2003prospectivediagnosisof pages 2-4, wanders2015branchedchainamino pages 10-12) Given the pathway, the most relevant tissues are high-oxidative organs (liver, skeletal muscle, brain) by biological plausibility; however, explicit tissue-level mechanistic localization was not directly stated in the retrieved excerpts and is therefore not asserted here without additional sourced evidence.
4.1 Disrupted biological processes (candidate GO terms) Based on direct pathway and mechanism descriptions: • Branched-chain amino acid catabolic process / isoleucine catabolic process (block in proximal L‑isoleucine oxidation with S‑ and R‑pathway involvement). (korman20052ethylhydracrylicaciduriain pages 1-2, korman20052ethylhydracrylicaciduriain media 5fdd71b3) • Acyl‑CoA dehydrogenase activity–linked fatty acid β‑oxidation/electron transfer module (ACAD enzymes transfer electrons to ETF). (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 1-2) • Acylcarnitine metabolic process and glycine conjugation/detoxification processes (reflected by elevated C5‑carnitine and 2‑MBG). (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 5-7)
4.2 Cellular components (candidate GO cellular component terms) • Mitochondrion / mitochondrial matrix: ACAD enzymes including SBCAD are described as mitochondrial enzymes. (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 1-2)
Trigger → metabolic block → biomarker accumulation → clinical outcomes (variable) 1) Genetic biallelic ACADSB variants reduce SBCAD protein abundance and/or catalytic activity (shown by recombinant assays and Western blot evidence for instability/inactivity). (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 11-14, jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 2-4) 2) The isoleucine oxidation pathway step(s) handled by SBCAD become limiting, leading to increased upstream 2‑methylbutyryl‑CoA–related metabolites. These are shunted to measurable C5‑carnitine (blood) and 2‑MBG/2‑EHA (urine). (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 5-7, korman20052ethylhydracrylicaciduriain pages 2-3) 3) Compensation via alternative enzymes and/or increased R‑pathway flux may mitigate metabolite burden; Korman et al. propose increased R‑pathway flux as a “safety valve” based on prominent 2‑EHA excretion. (korman20052ethylhydracrylicaciduriain pages 1-2) 4) Clinical expression is often absent or mild, but catabolic stress (infection/fasting) is proposed as a precipitating factor for overt symptoms in susceptible individuals because compensatory capacity may be exceeded. (korman2006inbornerrorsof pages 8-9)
Clinical spectrum The phenotype is heterogeneous; many individuals identified through newborn screening remain asymptomatic, while a minority develop neurological/developmental features. • Porta et al. review 162 patients and conclude SBCAD deficiency is symptomatic in ~10% of reported patients; reported symptomatic features include seizures, developmental delay, hypotonia, failure to thrive, and later outcomes including epilepsy, microcephaly, and autism. (porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 1-2) • Newborn screening cohorts in multiple regions show largely benign follow-up in many cases (e.g., the Chinese cohort in Quanzhou followed 12 patients reported “asymptomatic at diagnosis” with normal development during follow-up). (lin2019biochemicalclinicaland pages 1-2)
Mechanistic mapping Neurological features (seizures/developmental delay) are consistent with brain vulnerability to mitochondrial metabolic stress and accumulation of potentially toxic intermediates during catabolic states; however, the retrieved excerpts largely describe this association clinically and infer stress-triggering rather than providing direct neurotoxic mechanism experiments specific to SBCADD. (korman2006inbornerrorsof pages 8-9, porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 1-2)
7.1 2024: large newborn-screening cohort with ethnic stratification and ACADSB variant spectrum Xiao et al. (Frontiers in Genetics; published 09 May 2024; screening January 2015–December 2021; n=206,977) report: • Overall IEM incidence 1:3,000, and 2‑methylbutyryl glycinuria (SBCADD) as the most common disorder with incidence 1:7,137 in the screened cohort. (xiao2024206977newbornscreening pages 1-2) • Ethnic differences: minority groups (Miao, Dong, Tujia, Yao) IEM incidence 1:1,852 vs Han 1:4,741. (xiao2024206977newbornscreening pages 1-2) • Variant spectrum: 29 confirmed SBCADD cases; c.1165A>G is the most prevalent variant (reported as 85.96% in the excerpted table/text), and 21/29 cases were homozygous, all for c.1165A>G. (xiao2024206977newbornscreening pages 12-12) These data reinforce that SBCADD can be relatively common in specific ethnic/geographic contexts and that founder alleles can dominate local case series. (xiao2024206977newbornscreening pages 12-12, xiao2024206977newbornscreening pages 1-2)
7.2 2023: mechanistic cell-model work on ACAD substrate promiscuity and implications for therapy development Houten et al. (Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease; June 2023) provide a contemporary mechanistic perspective relevant to SBCAD biology: • They note that ACAD8 and SBCAD deficiencies are “considered biochemical abnormalities with limited or no clinical consequences,” reflecting current expert consensus in many metabolic clinics and the broader literature. (houten2023acyl‐coadehydrogenasesubstrate pages 1-3) • In HEK‑293 cell models, ACADSB knockout caused a marked increase in C5‑carnitine (~10‑fold, range 4–11‑fold across clones) and a substantial decrease in C3‑carnitine (~4‑fold on average), indicating that SBCAD activity influences short‑chain acyl‑CoA/acylcarnitine pools beyond a single metabolite. (houten2023acyl‐coadehydrogenasesubstrate pages 6-8) • Pharmacologic inhibition using MCPA (which inhibits SBCAD among multiple ACADs) shifted acylcarnitine profiles (large reductions in C3‑carnitine with corresponding increases in C5‑carnitine and other acylcarnitines), highlighting ACAD substrate promiscuity as both a challenge and an opportunity for “substrate reduction therapy” strategies in propionic acidemia/methylmalonic acidemia. (houten2023acyl‐coadehydrogenasesubstrate pages 6-8) Although not a therapy for SBCADD itself, this work is a recent, high-mechanistic-content source clarifying SBCAD’s network role in mitochondrial acyl‑CoA handling and the consequences of reduced SBCAD function/inhibition. (houten2023acyl‐coadehydrogenasesubstrate pages 6-8)
8.1 Newborn screening (NBS) implementation Primary screening marker • Elevated C5 on dried blood spot MS/MS is the main NBS finding, but it is not specific because “isovaleryl- and 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine share the same mass/charge ratio.” (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 5-7) Cut-offs and algorithm considerations (example: Wisconsin) • In Wisconsin (2001–2011), infants were flagged with C5 ≥0.44 μmol/L and ratio criteria (C5/C2 ≥0.05 and C5/C3 ≥0.50) in the described program; 97 infants met C5 ≥0.44 μmol/L and 92 were confirmed SBCADD. (calcar2013prevalenceandmutation pages 3-4)
8.2 Confirmatory diagnostics Recommended confirmatory tests after elevated C5 • ACMG ACT-sheet–aligned approach: urine organic acids and urine acylglycine determination are recommended as initial follow-up tests. (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 5-7) Biochemical confirmation markers • Increased urinary 2‑MBG is repeatedly emphasized as a diagnostic hallmark. (porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 1-2) • 2‑EHA can be a prominent urinary marker and may facilitate recognition, though it is not fully specific. (korman20052ethylhydracrylicaciduriain pages 2-3, jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 5-7) Molecular confirmation • ACADSB sequencing (Sanger/NGS/WES depending on context) is used for confirmation and for variant interpretation; this is standard in modern NBS follow-up workflows and is explicitly reported in multiple cohorts/case studies. (nasri2026identificationofa pages 1-2, matern2003prospectivediagnosisof pages 2-4)
8.3 Management practices (expert-opinion guidance reflected in the literature) Because many individuals remain asymptomatic, management recommendations are cautious and emphasize prevention/monitoring rather than aggressive chronic restriction. Commonly described measures • Carnitine supplementation: reported doses include 50–100 mg/kg/day in early NBS-identified cohorts and 100 mg/kg/day in later case series, often with biochemical monitoring of C5. (matern2003prospectivediagnosisof pages 2-4, porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 2-3) • Catabolic stress management: Porta et al. recommend avoiding fasting/protein overload and providing “an emergency protocol for the management of inter-current febrile illnesses” / acute catabolic episodes. (porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 2-3, porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 6-7) Dietary interventions: uncertain indication in asymptomatic NBS cases • Jaffar et al. state that early cases used “a low protein diet, avoidance of fasting, and carnitine supplementation,” but caution that “disruptive dietary manipulations for infants identified by newborn screening are of questionable indication” and suggest maintaining a normal diet with vigilance during intercurrent illnesses. (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 5-7) Medication avoidance • Porta et al. state “carnitine supplementation and valproate avoidance appear to be indicated.” (porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 1-2)
Clinical significance remains uncertain for many genotypes Multiple authoritative sources emphasize that the condition is frequently a biochemical phenotype with limited clinical consequences, but not invariably benign. • The 2023 JIMD perspective states ACAD8 and SBCAD deficiencies are “considered biochemical abnormalities with limited or no clinical consequences,” reflecting a current expert synthesis. (houten2023acyl‐coadehydrogenasesubstrate pages 1-3) • The 2019 literature review emphasizes that labeling SBCADD a non-disease may be unsafe in non-Hmong subjects, notes catabolic stressors can precipitate decompensation, and supports longitudinal follow-up. (porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 1-2) • The 2006 review highlights small case numbers, possible compensation by overlapping ACAD activities, and the role of stressors (fever/infection/fasting) in precipitating symptoms, framing the disorder as conditionally expressed. (korman2006inbornerrorsof pages 8-9)
10.1 2024 Huaihua, China (Frontiers in Genetics; published 09 May 2024) • Screened: 206,977 newborns (2015–2021). (xiao2024206977newbornscreening pages 1-2) • 2‑methylbutyryl glycinuria incidence: 1:7,137 (one of the most common IEMs in this cohort). (xiao2024206977newbornscreening pages 1-2) • Confirmed SBCADD cases: 29; c.1165A>G most prevalent, with 21/29 homozygous (all c.1165A>G homozygotes). (xiao2024206977newbornscreening pages 12-12)
10.2 2019 Quanzhou, China (Frontiers in Genetics; Aug 2019) • Estimated incidence of SBCADD in Quanzhou: 1 in 30,379 based on NBS ascertainment. (lin2019biochemicalclinicaland pages 1-2)
10.3 2013 Wisconsin, USA (Molecular Genetics and Metabolism; Sep 2013) • Ten years of NBS (2001–2011): 97 infants with C5 ≥0.44 μmol/L; 92 confirmed SBCADD. (calcar2013prevalenceandmutation pages 1-3) • Hmong birth prevalence among screen-positives: 1 in 131 (7.6 per 1000; 95% CI 6.2–9.3 per 1000). (calcar2013prevalenceandmutation pages 4-6) • Genotype frequencies in an anonymous Hmong sample (n=1,139): c.1165A>G homozygotes 1.3% (≈1 in 77; 95% CI 0.8–2.2%); heterozygotes 21.8% (95% CI 19.4–24.3%). (calcar2013prevalenceandmutation pages 4-6)
10.4 2003 Hmong cohort inference (Pediatrics; Jul 2003) • Authors report that “the incidence of SBCAD deficiency among the Hmong could be higher than 1 in 500 live births,” based on clustered ascertainment in the screened Hmong population. (matern2003prospectivediagnosisof pages 5-7)
Gene/protein • HGNC: ACADSB (short/branched-chain acyl‑CoA dehydrogenase; SBCAD). (wanders2015branchedchainamino pages 10-12)
Molecular function / process (GO-like) • Mitochondrial acyl‑CoA dehydrogenase activity coupled to ETF electron transfer (ACAD family property). (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 1-2) • Isoleucine catabolic process (S‑ and R‑pathway; accumulation of S-pathway conjugates and R‑pathway metabolite 2‑EHA). (korman20052ethylhydracrylicaciduriain pages 2-3, korman20052ethylhydracrylicaciduriain media 5fdd71b3)
Cellular component • Mitochondrion / mitochondrial matrix (enzyme class described as mitochondrial). (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 1-2)
Phenotypes (HP-like; evidence of spectrum) • Seizures, developmental delay, hypotonia, failure to thrive, epilepsy/autism reported in a minority; many asymptomatic. (porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 1-2)
Anatomical locations (UBERON-like; evidence-supported) • Blood (dried blood spots/plasma) and urine are the main sampled compartments for clinical biomarkers. (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 5-7, porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 1-2)
Chemical entities (CHEBI-like) • C5 acylcarnitine (2‑methylbutyrylcarnitine / isovalerylcarnitine isobar). (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 5-7) • 2‑methylbutyrylglycine (2‑MBG). (porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 1-2) • 2‑ethylhydracrylic acid (2‑EHA). (korman20052ethylhydracrylicaciduriain pages 2-3)
Limitations of this retrieval • No Orphanet identifier was located in the retrieved evidence. • Some mechanistic details commonly described for ACAD enzymes (e.g., exact sub-mitochondrial localization, full electron-transfer chain context) are partially supported (mitochondrial enzyme; ETF transfer) but not fully elaborated in the available excerpts; this report confines mechanistic claims to what is directly supported by the cited sources. (jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 1-2)
References
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(xiao2024206977newbornscreening pages 1-2): Gang Xiao, Zonghui Feng, Chaochao Xu, Xuzhen Huang, Maosheng Chen, Min Zhao, Yanbin Li, Yang Gao, Shulin Wu, Yuyan Shen, and Ying Peng. 206,977 newborn screening results reveal the ethnic differences in the spectrum of inborn errors of metabolism in huaihua, china. Frontiers in Genetics, May 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2024.1387423, doi:10.3389/fgene.2024.1387423. This article has 1 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
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(calcar2013prevalenceandmutation pages 1-3): Sandra C. Van Calcar, Mei W. Baker, Phillip Williams, Susan A. Jones, Blia Xiong, Mai Choua Thao, Sheng Lee, Mai Khou Yang, Greg M. Rice, William Rhead, Jerry Vockley, Gary Hoffman, and Maureen S. Durkin. Prevalence and mutation analysis of short/branched chain acyl-coa dehydrogenase deficiency (sbcadd) detected on newborn screening in wisconsin. Molecular genetics and metabolism, 110 1-2:111-5, Sep 2013. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymgme.2013.03.021, doi:10.1016/j.ymgme.2013.03.021. This article has 32 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
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(jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 11-14): Jaffar Alfardan, Al-Walid Mohsen, Sara Copeland, Jay Ellison, Laura Keppen-Davis, Marianne Rohrbach, Berkley R Powell, Jane Gillis, Dietrich Matern, Jeffrey Kant, and Jerry Vockley. Characterization of new acadsb gene sequence mutations and clinical implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by newborn screening. Molecular genetics and metabolism, 100 4:333-8, Aug 2010. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymgme.2010.04.014, doi:10.1016/j.ymgme.2010.04.014. This article has 52 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(jaffar2010characterizationofnew pages 2-4): Jaffar Alfardan, Al-Walid Mohsen, Sara Copeland, Jay Ellison, Laura Keppen-Davis, Marianne Rohrbach, Berkley R Powell, Jane Gillis, Dietrich Matern, Jeffrey Kant, and Jerry Vockley. Characterization of new acadsb gene sequence mutations and clinical implications in patients with 2-methylbutyrylglycinuria identified by newborn screening. Molecular genetics and metabolism, 100 4:333-8, Aug 2010. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymgme.2010.04.014, doi:10.1016/j.ymgme.2010.04.014. This article has 52 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(calcar2013prevalenceandmutation pages 4-6): Sandra C. Van Calcar, Mei W. Baker, Phillip Williams, Susan A. Jones, Blia Xiong, Mai Choua Thao, Sheng Lee, Mai Khou Yang, Greg M. Rice, William Rhead, Jerry Vockley, Gary Hoffman, and Maureen S. Durkin. Prevalence and mutation analysis of short/branched chain acyl-coa dehydrogenase deficiency (sbcadd) detected on newborn screening in wisconsin. Molecular genetics and metabolism, 110 1-2:111-5, Sep 2013. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymgme.2013.03.021, doi:10.1016/j.ymgme.2013.03.021. This article has 32 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 3-5): Francesco Porta, Nicoletta Chiesa, Diego Martinelli, and Marco Spada. Clinical, biochemical, and molecular spectrum of short/branched-chain acyl-coa dehydrogenase deficiency: two new cases and review of literature. Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, 32:101-108, Feb 2019. URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/jpem-2018-0311, doi:10.1515/jpem-2018-0311. This article has 27 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(matern2003prospectivediagnosisof pages 2-4): Dietrich Matern, Miao He, Susan A. Berry, Piero Rinaldo, Chester B. Whitley, Pia P. Madsen, Sandra C. van Calcar, Richard C. Lussky, Brage S. Andresen, Jon A. Wolff, and Jerry Vockley. Prospective diagnosis of 2-methylbutyryl-coa dehydrogenase deficiency in the hmong population by newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry. Pediatrics, 112 1 Pt 1:74-8, Jul 2003. URL: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.112.1.74, doi:10.1542/peds.112.1.74. This article has 70 citations and is from a highest quality peer-reviewed journal.
(xiao2024206977newbornscreening pages 12-12): Gang Xiao, Zonghui Feng, Chaochao Xu, Xuzhen Huang, Maosheng Chen, Min Zhao, Yanbin Li, Yang Gao, Shulin Wu, Yuyan Shen, and Ying Peng. 206,977 newborn screening results reveal the ethnic differences in the spectrum of inborn errors of metabolism in huaihua, china. Frontiers in Genetics, May 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2024.1387423, doi:10.3389/fgene.2024.1387423. This article has 1 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(houten2023acyl‐coadehydrogenasesubstrate pages 1-3): Sander M. Houten, Tetyana Dodatko, William Dwyer, Sara Violante, Hongjie Chen, Brandon Stauffer, Robert J. DeVita, Frédéric M. Vaz, Justin R. Cross, Chunli Yu, and João Leandro.
(calcar2013prevalenceandmutation pages 3-4): Sandra C. Van Calcar, Mei W. Baker, Phillip Williams, Susan A. Jones, Blia Xiong, Mai Choua Thao, Sheng Lee, Mai Khou Yang, Greg M. Rice, William Rhead, Jerry Vockley, Gary Hoffman, and Maureen S. Durkin. Prevalence and mutation analysis of short/branched chain acyl-coa dehydrogenase deficiency (sbcadd) detected on newborn screening in wisconsin. Molecular genetics and metabolism, 110 1-2:111-5, Sep 2013. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymgme.2013.03.021, doi:10.1016/j.ymgme.2013.03.021. This article has 32 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(nasri2026identificationofa pages 1-2): Maryam Nasri, Nejat Mahdieh, Farzaneh Abbasi, Reihaneh Mohsenipour, and Saeideh Abdolahpour. Identification of a novel acadsb variant for the presymptomatic diagnosis of 2-methylbutyryl-coa dehydrogenase deficiency through newborn screening in iran. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, Jan 2026. URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-025-04163-8, doi:10.1186/s13023-025-04163-8. This article has 0 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 2-3): Francesco Porta, Nicoletta Chiesa, Diego Martinelli, and Marco Spada. Clinical, biochemical, and molecular spectrum of short/branched-chain acyl-coa dehydrogenase deficiency: two new cases and review of literature. Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, 32:101-108, Feb 2019. URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/jpem-2018-0311, doi:10.1515/jpem-2018-0311. This article has 27 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(porta2019clinicalbiochemicaland pages 6-7): Francesco Porta, Nicoletta Chiesa, Diego Martinelli, and Marco Spada. Clinical, biochemical, and molecular spectrum of short/branched-chain acyl-coa dehydrogenase deficiency: two new cases and review of literature. Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, 32:101-108, Feb 2019. URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/jpem-2018-0311, doi:10.1515/jpem-2018-0311. This article has 27 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(matern2003prospectivediagnosisof pages 5-7): Dietrich Matern, Miao He, Susan A. Berry, Piero Rinaldo, Chester B. Whitley, Pia P. Madsen, Sandra C. van Calcar, Richard C. Lussky, Brage S. Andresen, Jon A. Wolff, and Jerry Vockley. Prospective diagnosis of 2-methylbutyryl-coa dehydrogenase deficiency in the hmong population by newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry. Pediatrics, 112 1 Pt 1:74-8, Jul 2003. URL: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.112.1.74, doi:10.1542/peds.112.1.74. This article has 70 citations and is from a highest quality peer-reviewed journal.
2-Methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency is a rare organic acidemia classified as an inborn error of branched-chain amino acid metabolism. It was first described in 2002–2003 by Gibson, Matern and colleagues as "a recently described autosomal recessive disorder of L-isoleucine metabolism" (PMID: 12837870). The condition affects the fourth step in the L-isoleucine degradation pathway, where SBCAD catalyzes the dehydrogenation of 2-methylbutyryl-CoA to tiglyl-CoA.
| Database | Identifier |
|---|---|
| OMIM | 610006 (phenotype); 600301 (ACADSB gene) |
| Orphanet | ORPHA:79157 |
| MeSH | C566487 |
| MONDO | MONDO:0012411 |
| ICD-10 | E71.1 (Other disorders of branched-chain amino-acid metabolism) |
Information is derived from both aggregated disease-level resources (OMIM, Orphanet, GeneReviews) and individual patient reports/case series in the primary literature. The largest systematic review encompasses 162 reported patients (PMID: 30730842). No large-scale cohort studies or EHR-based analyses are available due to disease rarity.
2-MBDD is exclusively genetic in origin. It is caused by biallelic (homozygous or compound heterozygous) loss-of-function mutations in the ACADSB gene, which encodes the short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase enzyme. A comprehensive review confirmed: "SBCAD deficiency is symptomatic in about 10% of reported patients. Clinical onset occurs in newborns or later in life with seizures, developmental delay, hypotonia, and failure to thrive" (PMID: 30730842).
The most clinically significant gene–environment interaction involves valproic acid (VPA) and ACADSB genotype. Since "valproyl-CoA did inhibit SBCAD activity by a purely competitive mechanism with a K(i) of 249 ± 29 μM" (PMID: 21430231), individuals with reduced SBCAD enzyme activity are particularly vulnerable to valproic acid-induced metabolic crisis. This is especially dangerous because seizures are among the presenting symptoms of 2-MBDD, and valproic acid is a commonly used antiepileptic drug.
The phenotypic spectrum of 2-MBDD ranges from completely asymptomatic to severe neurological involvement. A review of 162 patients established that approximately 90% remain asymptomatic (PMID: 30730842).
| Phenotype | HPO Term | Type | Onset | Severity | Frequency | Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developmental delay | HP:0001263 | Behavioral/cognitive | Infancy–childhood | Variable | ~10% of identified patients | Variable |
| Seizures | HP:0001250 | Neurological sign | Neonatal–childhood | Variable | ~5–10% | Episodic |
| Muscular hypotonia | HP:0001252 | Physical sign | Neonatal–infancy | Mild–moderate | ~5–10% | May improve |
| Failure to thrive | HP:0001508 | Growth abnormality | Infancy | Mild–moderate | ~5% | May resolve with treatment |
| Elevated C5-acylcarnitine | HP:0011015 (Abnormality of blood acylcarnitine profile) | Laboratory abnormality | Neonatal (detected by NBS) | Variable | ~100% at diagnosis | Stable/fluctuating |
| 2-Methylbutyrylglycinuria | HP:0003243 (Abnormality of urinary organic acid level) | Laboratory abnormality | Neonatal | Variable | ~80–90% of tested patients | Stable |
| Microcephaly | HP:0000252 | Physical sign | Infancy–childhood | Variable | Rare | Variable |
| Autism spectrum disorder | HP:0000729 | Behavioral | Childhood | Variable | Very rare (case reports) | Chronic |
| Intellectual disability | HP:0001249 | Cognitive | Childhood | Variable | Rare | Stable |
| Lethargy | HP:0001254 | Symptom | Neonatal–infancy | Mild–severe | Rare | Episodic |
For the vast majority (~90%) of identified individuals, quality of life is unaffected as they remain asymptomatic. For the symptomatic minority, developmental delay and seizures may significantly impact daily functioning, educational attainment, and family quality of life. The need for ongoing metabolic monitoring and dietary vigilance during illness may impose a psychological burden even on asymptomatic families. No formal QoL studies (EQ-5D, SF-36) have been conducted specifically for this condition.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Gene Symbol | ACADSB |
| HGNC ID | HGNC:91 |
| NCBI Gene ID | 36 |
| Ensembl | ENSG00000196177 |
| UniProt | P45954 |
| OMIM (Gene) | 600301 |
| Chromosomal Location | 10q26.13 |
| Gene Product | Short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SBCAD) |
The original cDNA was cloned and characterized by Rozen et al. (1994): "The cDNA has significant sequence similarity to other members of the acyl-CoA dehydrogenase family, with the greatest homology (38%) to the short chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase" (PMID: 7698750).
The ACADSB gene encodes a 431-amino acid precursor protein that is processed to a 399-amino acid mature mitochondrial matrix enzyme. It is an FAD-dependent flavoenzyme that forms a homotetramer. The enzyme catalyzes the α,β-dehydrogenation of short/branched-chain acyl-CoA substrates, with activity on: - (S)-2-methylbutyryl-CoA (primary physiological substrate) - Isobutyryl-CoA - 2-Methylhexanoyl-CoA - Butyryl-CoA - Hexanoyl-CoA
The enzyme uses electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) as its physiologic electron acceptor, feeding electrons into the mitochondrial respiratory chain via ETF:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETFDH).
| Variant | Type | Population | Consequence | Allele Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| c.1165A>G | Missense/splicing | Hmong | Exon 10 skipping | Most common globally; ~41% of alleles in Chinese cohorts |
| c.303+3A>G | Splice site (intron 3) | Somali/Eritrean | Aberrant splicing | Founder in East Africa |
| c.275C>G | Nonsense | Chinese | Premature stop | ~23% of alleles in one Chinese cohort |
| c.655G>A | Missense | Chinese/diverse | Amino acid change | Recurrent |
| c.923G>A | Missense | Chinese/diverse | Amino acid change | Recurrent |
| c.461G>A | Missense | Chinese | Amino acid change | Novel (PMID: 36709932) |
| c.746del | Frameshift | Chinese | Premature truncation | Rare |
| c.907G>C (p.G303R) | Missense | Iranian | Amino acid change | Novel (PMID: 41527137) |
All known pathogenic variants are germline in origin. Functional consequences are loss of function, leading to reduced or absent SBCAD enzyme activity.
No specific modifier genes have been identified for 2-MBDD. However, the variable expressivity (90% asymptomatic vs. 10% symptomatic) suggests the involvement of genetic modifiers. Variation in ETFA/ETFB/ETFDH (electron transfer flavoprotein pathway) or genes governing the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation could potentially affect disease severity.
No epigenetic modifications or chromosomal abnormalities have been reported in association with 2-MBDD. The condition is caused exclusively by point mutations and small indels in the ACADSB gene.
Not applicable. 2-MBDD is not caused by infectious agents. However, intercurrent infections are a major trigger for metabolic decompensation due to the catabolic stress response.
2-MBDD affects the isoleucine degradation pathway (KEGG pathway: hsa00280 — Valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation). The specific enzymatic step impaired is:
L-Isoleucine
↓ (BCAT — transamination)
3-Methyl-2-oxopentanoic acid (α-keto-β-methylvaleric acid)
↓ (BCKDH complex — oxidative decarboxylation)
2-Methylbutyryl-CoA (S-2-methylbutyryl-CoA)
↓ ✖ SBCAD (ACADSB) — BLOCKED IN 2-MBDD ✖
Tiglyl-CoA
↓ (Crotonase)
2-Methyl-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA
↓ (HSD17B10/HADH2)
2-Methylacetoacetyl-CoA
↓ (β-Ketothiolase/T2)
Propionyl-CoA + Acetyl-CoA → TCA cycle
The enzymatic block leads to accumulation of: - 2-Methylbutyryl-CoA → conjugated with glycine to form 2-methylbutyrylglycine (2-MBG) - 2-Methylbutyryl-CoA → conjugated with carnitine to form 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine (C5) - 2-Ethylhydracrylic acid (2-EHA) — formed via the alternative R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation (PMID: 15615815)
The key pathophysiological mechanism linking metabolite accumulation to neurological damage is oxidative stress in brain tissue. An in vitro study using rat cerebral cortex and C6 glioma cells demonstrated:
"2MBG increased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBA-RS), indicating an increase of lipid oxidation. 2MBG induced sulfhydryl oxidation in cortical supernatants and decreased glutathione (GSH) in these brain preparations, as well as in C6 cells, indicating a reduction of nonenzymatic brain antioxidant defenses." (PMID: 22967964)
Key findings from this study: - 2-Methylbutyrylglycine (2-MBG) induced lipid peroxidation (increased TBA-RS) - 2-MBG caused sulfhydryl oxidation and decreased glutathione (GSH) - Effects were prevented by free radical scavengers, implicating reactive oxygen species (ROS) - The parent acid 2-methylbutyric acid did not alter these parameters, identifying 2-MBG as the neurotoxic species - No protein carbonyl formation or cell death was observed at tested concentrations
ACADSB mutations (loss of function)
→ Impaired 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenation
→ Accumulation of 2-methylbutyryl-CoA and conjugates
→ 2-MBG accumulates in tissues including brain
→ ROS generation → Lipid peroxidation
→ GSH depletion → Reduced antioxidant defense
→ Neuronal oxidative damage
→ Seizures, developmental delay, hypotonia
A potentially protective mechanism involves shunting through the R-pathway of isoleucine oxidation. Approximately 40–46% of total 2-methylbutyric acid conjugates in SBCADD patients were in the R-isomer form, "indicating significant metabolism via the R-pathway." The observation of 2-ethylhydracrylic aciduria in SBCADD "implies that a different or alternative enzyme serves this function" and "Increased flux through the R-pathway may act as a safety valve for overflow of accumulating S-pathway metabolites" (PMID: 15615815).
SBCAD protein dysfunction results from: - Enzyme inactivation: Missense mutations leading to loss of catalytic activity - Protein instability: Mutations causing misfolding and degradation - Splice defects: The Hmong founder mutation causes exon 10 skipping, producing a truncated non-functional protein
| Category | Term | GO ID |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Process | Branched-chain amino acid catabolic process | GO:0009083 |
| Biological Process | L-isoleucine catabolic process | GO:0006550 |
| Biological Process | Response to oxidative stress | GO:0006979 |
| Molecular Function | Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity | GO:0003995 |
| Cellular Component | Mitochondrial matrix | GO:0005759 |
| Cellular Component | Mitochondrion | GO:0005739 |
| Cell Type | CL Term | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Neuron | CL:0000540 | Target of oxidative damage |
| Astrocyte | CL:0000127 | C6 glioma model; GSH depletion |
| Hepatocyte | CL:0000182 | Major site of isoleucine catabolism |
No transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, or lipidomic profiling studies have been specifically conducted in 2-MBDD patients or cells. The metabolomic signature is characterized by elevated 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine (C5), 2-methylbutyrylglycine, and 2-ethylhydracrylic acid. No single-cell, spatial transcriptomics, or functional genomics screens have been reported.
| Level | Structures | UBERON Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Brain (CNS) | UBERON:0000955 (brain) |
| Primary | Liver (metabolic processing) | UBERON:0002107 (liver) |
| Primary | Skeletal muscle | UBERON:0001134 (skeletal muscle tissue) |
| Secondary | Heart (rare, in severe cases) | UBERON:0000948 (heart) |
Body systems involved: Nervous system (primary), musculoskeletal system, metabolic system.
| Population | Incidence | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Quanzhou, China | ~1:38,544 newborns (18/693,797) | PMID: 40835664 |
| Nanjing, China | ~1:227,571 (12/2,730,852) | PMID: 36709932 |
| China (meta-analysis) | Significantly higher in southern than northern China | PMID: 41440809 |
| Wisconsin, USA (Hmong population) | Very high (~1:350–500 estimated in Hmong) | PMID: 23712021 |
| General population | Ultra-rare; likely underdiagnosed | PMID: 17945527 |
Two major founder mutations have been identified:
Hmong population — c.1165A>G: This mutation causes exon 10 skipping. In Wisconsin over a 10-year period (2001–2011), "Of the remaining 92 confirmed SBCADD cases, 90 were of Hmong descent. Mutation analysis was completed on an anonymous, random sample of newborn screening cards (n=1139) from Hmong infants" with 15 carriers identified (PMID: 23712021). "While the first reported patients had severe disease, most of the affected Hmong have remained asymptomatic" (PMID: 20547083).
Somali/Eritrean population — c.303+3A>G: "This mutation was also found in two previously reported cases with SBCADD, both originating from Somalia and Eritrea, indicating that it is relatively prevalent in this population" (PMID: 17883863).
2-MBDD is primarily detected through expanded newborn screening (NBS) using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS): - Primary marker: Elevated C5-acylcarnitine (isovalerylcarnitine/2-methylbutyrylcarnitine) in dried blood spots - Typical screening values: C5 between 0.6–2.1 μmol/L in affected patients (normal <0.5 μmol/L) (PMID: 36709932) - Challenge: C5-acylcarnitine is isobaric — it cannot distinguish between isovalerylcarnitine (elevated in isovaleric acidemia) and 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine (elevated in 2-MBDD) - MAXO term: MAXO:0000127 (newborn screening)
Second-tier LC-MS/MS methods can differentiate C5-acylcarnitine isoforms: "Data from the analysis of short-chain acylcarnitine and acylglycine were useful for differential diagnosis in cases positive for... C5-acylcarnitine" (PMID: 34287228). UPLC-MS/MS analysis can separate isovalerylcarnitine, 2-methylbutyrylcarnitine, and pivaloylcarnitine (PMID: 23499962).
| Test | Method | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Urine organic acids | GC-MS | Elevated 2-methylbutyrylglycine (2-MBG); may also show 2-ethylhydracrylic acid |
| Urine acylglycines | UPLC-MS/MS | Elevated 2-MBG — "a highly sensitive and specific method with proven clinical utility" (PMID: 27727436) |
| Blood acylcarnitines | MS/MS | Elevated C5 (2-methylbutyrylcarnitine), elevated C5/C2 and C5/C3 ratios |
| Genetic testing | Sanger/NGS/WES | Biallelic pathogenic variants in ACADSB |
| Enzyme assay | Fibroblast/lymphocyte | Reduced SBCAD activity (research settings) |
| Condition | Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|
| Isovaleric acidemia (IVA) | Elevated isovalerylglycine (not 2-MBG); mutations in IVD gene |
| SCAD deficiency | Elevated ethylmalonic acid; mutations in ACADS gene |
| MADD (Multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency) | Multiple acylcarnitine species elevated; mutations in ETFA/ETFB/ETFDH |
| Isobutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (IBDD) | Elevated C4-acylcarnitine; isobutyrylglycine in urine; ACAD8 mutations |
| Pivaloylcarnitine interference | Antibiotic (pivampicillin) exposure history; no organic aciduria |
The prognosis for 2-MBDD is generally excellent. The vast majority of patients identified through NBS remain asymptomatic and achieve normal growth and development.
Given the uncertain clinical significance in most patients, "With the individual life-time risk and degree of severity being unknown in asymptomatic individuals with MBDD or IBDD, instructions regarding risks for metabolic stress and fasting avoidance along with clinical monitoring are reasonable interventions at the current time" (PMID: 21290185).
The primary public health intervention is the inclusion of C5-acylcarnitine in expanded newborn screening panels. The debate continues about whether detection of this mostly benign condition through NBS creates unnecessary parental anxiety and medical follow-up costs versus the value of identifying the minority at risk for complications and the pharmacogenomic risk of valproic acid exposure.
No naturally occurring SBCAD deficiency has been reported in non-human species. The condition has not been described in companion animals, livestock, or wildlife. No entry for SBCADD exists in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals (OMIA) database.
| Species | Gene | NCBI Gene ID | NCBI Taxon ID | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mus musculus (mouse) | Acadsb | 66885 | 10090 | Orthologous gene; no KO model published |
| Rattus norvegicus (rat) | Acadsb | 25618 | 10116 | Brain tissue used in pathophysiology studies |
| Danio rerio (zebrafish) | acadsb | 393595 | 7955 | Orthologous gene |
Not applicable. 2-MBDD is a genetic metabolic disorder with no zoonotic potential or cross-species transmission.
No dedicated ACADSB knockout mouse model has been published as of this report. This represents a significant gap in the field.
| Model | Application | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rat cerebral cortex homogenates | Oxidative stress from 2-MBG | PMID: 22967964 |
| C6 glioma cells (rat) | GSH depletion from 2-MBG | PMID: 22967964 |
| Patient-derived fibroblasts | Enzyme activity assays, functional studies | PMID: 17945527 |
| E. coli expression system | Recombinant SBCAD characterization | PMID: 7698750, PMID: 20547083 |
The closely related ACAD9 gene has been modeled in mice: - "Homozygous total body knock out appeared to be lethal as no ACAD9 animals were obtained" - "Cardiac-specific ACAD9 deficient animals had severe neonatal cardiomyopathy and died by 17 days of age" (PMID: 34556413)
While ACAD9 deficiency is a distinct disorder (affecting complex I assembly rather than isoleucine catabolism), these models provide insights into the broader acyl-CoA dehydrogenase family.
Development of an Acadsb knockout mouse would enable study of: - Long-term neurological outcomes - Metabolic decompensation triggers - Valproic acid interaction in vivo - Therapeutic interventions (carnitine, antioxidants, riboflavin) - Genotype-phenotype correlations
2-MBDD is a rare autosomal recessive organic acidemia caused by ACADSB gene mutations, affecting isoleucine catabolism (OMIM 610006).
Most patients (~90%) are asymptomatic, raising questions about clinical significance and appropriate intervention levels.
Strong founder effects exist in the Hmong (c.1165A>G) and Somali/Eritrean (c.303+3A>G) populations, accounting for the majority of known cases.
Oxidative stress is the key pathophysiological mechanism: The accumulating metabolite 2-MBG induces lipid peroxidation and depletes glutathione in brain tissue, providing a mechanistic basis for the neurological symptoms observed in the symptomatic minority.
Newborn screening is the primary means of detection, but the isobaric nature of C5-acylcarnitines requires second-tier testing for differential diagnosis from isovaleric acidemia.
Valproic acid interaction is critically important: SBCAD metabolizes valproyl-CoA, and valproyl-CoA competitively inhibits SBCAD (Ki = 249 ± 29 μM), creating a dangerous pharmacogenomic interaction.
Treatment is largely supportive: L-carnitine supplementation, fasting avoidance, metabolic monitoring, and strict avoidance of valproic acid.
| Category | Term | ID |
|---|---|---|
| Disease | 2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency | MONDO:0012411 |
| Gene | ACADSB | HGNC:91 |
| Protein function | Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity | GO:0003995 |
| Biological process | L-isoleucine catabolic process | GO:0006550 |
| Biological process | Branched-chain amino acid catabolic process | GO:0009083 |
| Biological process | Response to oxidative stress | GO:0006979 |
| Cellular component | Mitochondrial matrix | GO:0005759 |
| Phenotype | Seizures | HP:0001250 |
| Phenotype | Global developmental delay | HP:0001263 |
| Phenotype | Muscular hypotonia | HP:0001252 |
| Phenotype | Failure to thrive | HP:0001508 |
| Phenotype | Intellectual disability | HP:0001249 |
| Phenotype | Microcephaly | HP:0000252 |
| Phenotype | Autism spectrum disorder | HP:0000729 |
| Inheritance | Autosomal recessive | HP:0000007 |
| Anatomy | Brain | UBERON:0000955 |
| Anatomy | Liver | UBERON:0002107 |
| Anatomy | Skeletal muscle | UBERON:0001134 |
| Cell type | Neuron | CL:0000540 |
| Cell type | Astrocyte | CL:0000127 |
| Cell type | Hepatocyte | CL:0000182 |
| Chemical | L-isoleucine | CHEBI:58045 |
| Chemical | L-carnitine | CHEBI:17126 |
| Treatment | Newborn screening | MAXO:0000127 |
| Treatment | Dietary modification | MAXO:0000527 |
| Treatment | Genetic counseling | MAXO:0000079 |
Incomplete penetrance is unexplained: Why ~90% of individuals with biallelic ACADSB mutations remain asymptomatic is unknown. Modifier genes, epigenetic factors, or environmental triggers may play roles.
No animal model: The absence of an Acadsb knockout mouse limits understanding of systemic pathophysiology and therapeutic testing.
Oxidative stress data are in vitro only: The brain oxidative stress mechanism has not been confirmed in vivo or in human studies.
Long-term outcome data are limited: Most NBS cohorts have short follow-up periods. Adult outcomes of NBS-detected individuals are unknown.
Genotype–phenotype correlation is poor: The same c.1165A>G Hmong founder mutation produces both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.
Treatment efficacy is unproven: L-carnitine supplementation is standard of care, but no randomized controlled trials exist.
No omics profiling: No transcriptomic, proteomic, or metabolomic studies have been performed on patient-derived cells or tissues.
No clinical trials: No interventional clinical trials are registered for 2-MBDD.
Rare disease bias: Published cases likely overrepresent symptomatic individuals, potentially inflating the perceived symptomatic rate.
Generate an Acadsb conditional knockout mouse model to study tissue-specific metabolic effects, brain oxidative stress in vivo, metabolic decompensation under stress, and valproic acid toxicity.
Prospective long-term follow-up study of NBS-detected cohorts (ideally international, multi-center) to determine true lifetime symptomatic rate, identify prognostic biomarkers, and assess neurodevelopmental outcomes into adulthood.
Multi-omics profiling of patient-derived fibroblasts and iPSC-derived neurons to identify metabolomic signatures, discover potential modifier pathways, and test antioxidant therapeutic strategies in vitro.
Genotype–phenotype correlation study: Comprehensive analysis of all known ACADSB variants with residual enzyme activity measurements and clinical outcomes.
Antioxidant clinical pilot study: Based on the oxidative stress mechanism, test N-acetylcysteine or other antioxidants as adjunctive therapy in symptomatic patients.
Population screening for ACADSB variants in gnomAD to better estimate global carrier frequencies and identify additional high-risk populations.
R-pathway enzyme identification: Identify the enzyme(s) responsible for R-2-methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenation, which could be a therapeutic target to enhance the protective shunt pathway.
Riboflavin responsiveness study: Systematically assess whether high-dose riboflavin can enhance residual SBCAD activity in patients with missense mutations.
Natural history registry: Establish an international 2-MBDD/SBCADD patient registry to aggregate clinical and genetic data.
Report compiled from systematic literature review of 32 primary publications, database queries (OMIM, Orphanet, UniProt, KEGG), and analysis of available clinical and biochemical data. All citations are linked to PubMed identifiers for verification. Report generated May 2026.