Altered vessel signalling molecules in subjects with Downs syndrome.
Downs syndrome (DS) is the most frequent human chromosomal abnormality and is associated with mental retardation. Some evidence indicates that certain inflammatory molecules may be increased in DS. Proinflammatory and vasoactive molecules in the blood of non demented subjects with DS were measured in the present investigation. Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and C reactive protein (CRP) were measured in child (2-14 years), adult (20-50 yrs) and elderly (> 60 yrs) DS subjects. Increased plasma levels of IL-6 and MCP-1 were present in DS. Plasma levels of VEGF were increased only in DS adults. Positive linear correlation between IL-6 and MCP-1 levels was present. However, no subclinical inflammation was apparent in DS, since neopterin and CRP levels were within the normal range. An altered regulation of these molecules might interfere with some processes involved in cognitive performances of DS subjects.
Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Bologna, Via S. Giacomo 14, 40126 Bologna, Italy. licastro@alma.unibo.it
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Licastro
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Chiappelli
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Porcellini
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Trabucchi
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Marocchi
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Corsi
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D018932:Chemokine CCL2 / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000097:blood
C111835:CCL2 protein, human; D018932:Chemokine CCL2; D015850:Interleukin-6; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D002097:C-Reactive Protein