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Serum cholinesterases in Down syndrome children before and after nutritional supplementation

K T Lakshmi1, R H Surekha, B Srikanth

  • 1Institute of Genetics & Hospital for Genetic Diseases, Osmania University, Begumpet, Hyderabad 500016, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Singapore Medical Journal
|August 13, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Nutritional supplementation, including zinc and vitamins, improved cholinesterase levels and cognitive skills in children with Down syndrome (DS). Early intervention may help reduce the severity of DS-related impairments.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Down syndrome (DS) is associated with developmental abnormalities and cognitive impairments.
  • Cholinesterase dysfunction is implicated in the neurological deficits seen in DS.
  • Currently, no effective biomedical treatments exist for DS-related central nervous system impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of nutritional supplementation on cholinesterase activity in DS children.
  • To assess the effects of supplementation on cognitive skills and behavior in DS.

Main Methods:

  • Serum acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activity were measured in 40 DS children and 40 controls.
  • DS children received six months of nutritional supplementation (zinc, antioxidant vitamins, and minerals).

Main Results:

  • DS children exhibited lower cholinesterase activity compared to controls.
  • Supplementation significantly improved cholinesterase levels in DS children.
  • Cognitive skills and behavioral patterns showed significant improvement post-supplementation.

Conclusions:

  • Nutritional supplementation shows promise in ameliorating Down syndrome severity.
  • Early intervention with specific nutrients may benefit DS children.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these findings.
Abstract

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