Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
In Vitro Modeling of Down Syndrome Neurogenesis Using Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: March 7, 2025
Subclinical inflammation in children with Down syndrome: implications for preventive care
Charu Sharma1, Muhammad Jawad Hashim2, Tarek El Azzabi3,4
1Department of Genetics and Genomics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE.
Insights
Children with Down syndrome (DS) show higher inflammation markers, linked to age and obesity. Early monitoring of weight and lipids is crucial for preventing complications in DS patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Metabolic Syndrome Research
Background:
- Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by metabolic dysregulation, obesity, and heightened chronic inflammation risk.
- Subclinical inflammation and its association with metabolic parameters in children with DS require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate subclinical inflammation in children with Down syndrome by measuring inflammatory biomarkers.
- To assess the relationship between inflammatory markers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and metabolic parameters including ghrelin, lipid profiles, and vitamin D levels in children with DS.
Main Methods:
- Study included 49 children with DS and 22 age-matched healthy controls (aged 1-18 years).
- Assessed anthropometric data, body fat percentage, inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, apolipoprotein-B, adiponectin), metabolic hormones (ghrelin, insulin), and lipid profiles.
- Employed bivariate correlation, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression for statistical analysis to identify inflammation predictors.
Main Results:
- Children with DS presented significantly higher hs-CRP levels, indicating increased systemic inflammation (p=0.03).
- Elevated hs-CRP correlated with older age, increased obesity (BMI), higher serum insulin, and LDL levels.
- Down syndrome diagnosis, older age, male sex, and elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase were significant predictors of inflammation (adjusted R²=0.276).
Conclusions:
- Children with Down syndrome exhibit a predisposition to metabolic inflammation, which is exacerbated by increasing age and obesity.
- Clinical management should focus on monitoring and addressing weight, dyslipidemia, and inflammation in children with DS.
- Proactive management can help prevent long-term complications such as cardiovascular diseases and insulin resistance in this population.
Purpose:
Down syndrome (DS) is associated with metabolic dysregulation, obesity, and increased risk of chronic inflammation. This study aimed to assess subclinical inflammation in children with DS by evaluating inflammatory biomarkers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and their association with metabolic parameters including ghrelin, lipid profiles, and vitamin D levels.
Methods:
A total of 49 children with DS (aged 1-18 years) and 22 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Anthropometric data, body fat percentage, and metabolic parameters were assessed. Inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, apolipoprotein-B [Apo B], adiponectin), metabolic hormones (ghrelin, insulin), and lipid profiles were determined from venous blood samples. Statistical analyses included bivariate correlation, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression to identify predictors of inflammation.
Results:
Children with DS exhibited significantly higher hs-CRP levels than controls (p=0.03), indicative of increased systemic inflammation. Higher hs-CRP levels were associated with older age (r=0.33, p=0.006), greater obesity (body mass index: r=0.32, p=0.011), and elevated serum insulin and low-density lipoprotein levels. Ghrelin levels correlated negatively with Apo B (r=-0.41, p<0.001) and positively with hs-CRP (r=0.30, p=0.012). Predictors of inflammation (based on hs-CRP) included older age, male sex, higher gamma-glutamyl transferase level, and a diagnosis of DS (adjusted R²=0.276).
Conclusion:
Children with DS are prone to metabolic inflammation, with increasing age and obesity exacerbating inflammatory responses. Clinicians should monitor and manage weight, dyslipidemia, and inflammation in this population to prevent long-term complications such as cardiovascular diseases and insulin resistance.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies