Key result
Down syndrome is linked to lower anti-inflammatory cytokines, proatherogenic lipids, and higher obesity rates versus siblings.
Why the study?
Down syndrome is characterized by immune system dysregulation and co-occurring metabolic disorders, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but immunometabolic interactions across age groups compared with siblings required evaluation.
Cross-Sectional (n=63)
Yes
Individuals with Down syndrome exhibit significant immunometabolic alterations, including higher obesity rates, altered lipid profiles, and lower levels of specific cytokines compared to their healthy siblings, which may increase their risk for metabolic disorders.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May indicate heightened cardiometabolic vulnerability in Down syndrome youth; leaves open causal roles of obesity and cytokine deficits.
Introduction and aim: Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms such as immune system dysregulation and co-occurring metabolic disorders, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the immunometabolic interactions in children adolescents and adults with Down syndrome (DS) and to compare selected inflammatory and metabolic parameters with those observed in their siblings. Materials and methods: The study included n= 63 individuals who were divided into two groups: group with DS n=42 (mean age: 14.2 ± 6.6) and control group (CG) n=21 (mean age: 15.6 ± 6.9). In addition, patients in both groups were also divided according to age ≤ 18 years and >18 years of age. Carbohydrate-lipid and immunological profiles were analyzed using spectrophotometric and immunoenzymatic methods. Statistical analysis was performed using R studio software. Results: In the DS group ≤ 18 years significantly higher obesity rates, i.e., Ponderal Mass Index (TMI), were observed (p=0.04), which was also associated with statistically significantly higher level of non-HDL (p=0.02) and apoB (p=0.04). Among lipid parameters, apolipoprotein A demonstrated relatively high diagnostic utility (AUC = 0.818, sens%=60.0, spec%=95.2). Significantly lower cytokine levels were observed in the DS group for IL-10 (p=0.006), IL-13 (p<0.01), and IL-22 (p=0.002). The highest diagnostic utility among the assessed cytokines was demonstrated for IL-5 (AUC = 0.814, sens%=71.10, spec%=88.1). Conclusion: The analyses conducted indicate significant differences between the studied groups of patients with Down syndrome and the control group. The presence of an additional copy of 21 the chromosome leads to changes in the immune system, influences the heterogeneous cytokine profile, and consequently may increase the development of metabolic disorders.
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Tylutka et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Down syndrome (n=63). Down syndrome vs. Healthy siblings was evaluated on IL-13 levels (pg/mL) (p=<0.001). Individuals with Down syndrome exhibited significantly lower levels of cytokines IL-10, IL-13, and IL-22, alongside higher rates of obesity and proatherogenic lipids, compared to their healthy siblings.
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