Abnormal serum vitamin A levels and retinoic acid receptor α expression patterns in children with anorectal malformation

Study demonstrates that children with anorectal malformation have significantly lower serum vitamin A levels and reduced retinoic acid receptor alpha expression in rectal tissue compared to controls, particularly in areas with abnormal ganglion cells. These findings suggest vitamin A pathway disruption may contribute to the enteric nervous system maldevelopment characteristic of ARM.