Key result
Older men with Down syndrome exhibit ~29% lower T lymphocyte LDL receptor expression versus controls.
Why the study?
There were no studies on LDL receptor expression in Down syndrome patients despite reported metabolic abnormalities involving lipid metabolism.
Is LDL receptor expression altered in old patients with Down syndrome compared to healthy controls?
Cross-Sectional (n=42)
Is LDL receptor expression altered in old patients with Down syndrome compared to healthy controls?
Despite having a pro-atherogenic lipid profile and reduced LDL receptor expression, older patients with Down syndrome do not show an increased frequency of cardiovascular disease, suggesting other protective factors may be present.
Lower LDL receptor expression on T lymphocytes in older males with Down syndrome was not associated with higher CVD; leaves open protective factors.
BACKGROUND: In Down syndrome patients several metabolic abnormalities have been reported, some involving the lipid metabolism. The level of LDL in plasma is the major determinant of the risk of vascular disease. There appear to be no studies on the LDL receptor in Down syndrome patients. METHODS: Flow cytometric methods for measuring the LDL receptor in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) can identify patients with hypercholesterolemia. We applied this method in 19 old patients with Down syndrome and 23 healthy controls. RESULTS: Down syndrome patients had high levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL, and high levels of CRP. We also found a down-regulation of LDL receptor expression. CONCLUSIONS: Down syndrome patients show no increase in the frequency of cardiovascular disease. The low incidence in cardiovascular disease despite the low level of HDL, high levels of CRP and reduction of LDL receptor expression lead to the conclusion that either these are not risk factors in these patients or that other risks factors - not yet identified - are considerably lower.
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Romanelli et al. (2005) conducted a cross-sectional in Down syndrome (n=42). Down syndrome vs. Healthy controls was evaluated on LDL receptor expression on T lymphocytes (Mean fluorescence intensity, %) (p=<0.0001). Older male patients with Down syndrome had significantly lower LDL receptor expression on T lymphocytes compared to healthy controls (MFI 139.87% vs 196.76%, p<0.0001).
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