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Increase in serum concentrations of IgG2 and IgG4 by selenium supplementation in children with Down's syndrome
G Annerén1, C G Magnusson, S L Nordvall
1Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Insights
Selenium supplementation significantly boosted Immunoglobulin G2 and IgG4 levels in children with Down
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Previous research indicated reduced infection rates in children with Down's syndrome following selenium supplementation.
- The specific impact of selenium on immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses in this population remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of selenium supplementation on the concentrations of four IgG subclasses in children with Down's syndrome.
- To determine if observed changes in IgG subclasses persist after supplementation cessation.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 29 children with Down's syndrome before, immediately after, and one year post-selenium supplementation.
- Concentrations of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 subclasses were quantified using immunoassay techniques.
Main Results:
- Selenium supplementation significantly increased serum concentrations of IgG2 and IgG4.
- No significant changes were observed in IgG1 and IgG3 levels.
- In children older than 6 years, IgG2 and IgG4 levels decreased one year after selenium treatment ended.
Conclusions:
- Selenium demonstrates an immunoregulatory effect, specifically enhancing IgG2 and IgG4 levels in children with Down's syndrome.
- The observed immunomodulatory effects of selenium may have implications for managing immune function in this population.
- Further research is warranted to explore the long-term impact and clinical applications of selenium in immune health.
Abstract:
In a previous study on children with Down's syndrome a reduced rate of infections was reported by their parents after the children had received six months' treatment with selenium supplements. In the present study the concentrations of the four IgG subclasses were measured in 29 of these children in samples of serum obtained before and immediately after the period of supplementation and one year after it had finished. Selenium had a significant augmentative effect on the serum concentrations of IgG2 and IgG4, but not of IgG1 and IgG3. This effect was not related to age, as among children over the age of 6 years the serum concentrations of IgG2 and IgG4 had decreased significantly one year after the treatment had been stopped. This study suggests that selenium has an immunoregulatory effect, which might be of importance in both basic research and clinical practice.
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