Int. J. Dev. Biol. 33: 183 - 188 (1989)

Vol 33, Issue 1

Special Issue: Developmental Biology in Finland

On the etiopathogenesis and therapy of Down syndrome

Published: 1 March 1989

E Antila and T Westermarck

Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Finland.

Abstract

The etiopathogenesis of Down syndrome is reviewed concentrating on the possible consequences of over-expression of cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase gene located in chromosome 21. Increased superoxide dismutase activity may generate free radical stress through overproduction of hydrogen peroxide. The significance of inadequate adaptive responses, i.e. increase of the selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase activity in the central nervous system and in the thyroid gland is discussed. Suggestions are made for prevention of the progress of Down syndrome and intervention studies with antioxidant supplementation are proposed.