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Serrano ME, Kim E, Siow B, Ma D, Rojo L, Simmons C, Hayward D, Gibbins D, Singh N, Strydom A, Fisher EM, Tybulewicz VL, Cash D. Investigating brain alterations in the Dp1Tyb mouse model of Down syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 188:106336. [PMID: 38317803 PMCID: PMC7615598 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most common birth defects and the most prevalent genetic form of intellectual disability. DS arises from trisomy of chromosome 21, but its molecular and pathological consequences are not fully understood. In this study, we compared Dp1Tyb mice, a DS model, against their wild-type (WT) littermates of both sexes to investigate the impact of DS-related genetic abnormalities on the brain phenotype. We performed in vivo whole brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hippocampal 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) on the animals at 3 months of age. Subsequently, ex vivo MRI scans and histological analyses were conducted post-mortem. Our findings unveiled the following neuroanatomical and biochemical alterations in the Dp1Tyb brains: a smaller surface area and a rounder shape compared to WT brains, with DS males also presenting smaller global brain volume compared with the counterpart WT. Regional volumetric analysis revealed significant changes in 26 out of 72 examined brain regions, including the medial prefrontal cortex and dorsal hippocampus. These alterations were consistently observed in both in vivo and ex vivo imaging data. Additionally, high-resolution ex vivo imaging enabled us to investigate cerebellar layers and hippocampal sub-regions, revealing selective areas of decrease and remodelling in these structures. An analysis of hippocampal metabolites revealed an elevation in glutamine and the glutamine/glutamate ratio in the Dp1Tyb mice compared to controls, suggesting a possible imbalance in the excitation/inhibition ratio. This was accompanied by the decreased levels of taurine. Histological analysis revealed fewer neurons in the hippocampal CA3 and DG layers, along with an increase in astrocytes and microglia. These findings recapitulate multiple neuroanatomical and biochemical features associated with DS, enriching our understanding of the potential connection between chromosome 21 trisomy and the resultant phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisa Serrano
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eugene Kim
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bernard Siow
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Da Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine Section of Gerontology and Geriatric Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Loreto Rojo
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Camilla Simmons
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Nisha Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Andre Strydom
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth M.C. Fisher
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK
| | | | - Diana Cash
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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van Gameren-Oosterom HBM, Weijerman ME, van Wieringen H, de Winter JP, van Wermeskerken AM. Clinical practice - latest insights in optimizing the care of children with Down syndrome. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:2027-2039. [PMID: 36897403 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-04890-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
An essential part of the care of children with Down syndrome is secondary screening for comorbidity. It is well known that comorbidity frequently occurs in these children. A new update of the Dutch Down syndrome medical guideline was developed to create a sound evidence base for several of these conditions. We present the latest insights and recommendations from this Dutch medical guideline which are based on the most relevant literature currently available and developed with rigorous methodology. The main focus of this revision of the guideline was on obstructive sleep apnea and other airway problems and hematologic disorders, such as transient abnormal myelopoiesis, leukemia, and thyroid disorders. Conclusion: This is a short summary of the latest insights and recommendations from the updated Dutch medical guideline for children with Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - J Peter de Winter
- Department of Pediatrics, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem/Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
- Leuven Child and Health Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Onnivello S, Schworer EK, Prince MA, Daunhauer LA, Fidler DJ. Early developmental profiles among infants with Down syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2023; 67:228-238. [PMID: 36484342 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Down syndrome (DS) generally predisposes children to a pattern of relative developmental strengths and challenges, but within-syndrome heterogeneity is also commonly observed across many dimensions. The present research examines whether heterogeneity in developmental presentation can be detected during infancy in DS and whether factors associated with differing profiles can be identified. METHODS Infants with DS (n = 75; age range: 3.9-17.6 months) were administered the Bayley Scales of Infant Development III (Bayley-III). A primary caregiver provided information regarding developmental history and family demographics. Latent profile analysis was conducted to identify whether early profiles were present across the five Bayley-III domains. RESULTS Three developmental profiles were observable within the sample: a 'Mild Delay' Profile, an 'Moderate Delay' Profile and a 'Pronounced Delay' Profile. In addition, chronological age, having received heart surgery and having received occupational therapy were associated with probability of profile membership. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study contribute to the growing knowledgebase regarding heterogenous presentations associated with DS and can inform early intervention planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Onnivello
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - E K Schworer
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - M A Prince
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - L A Daunhauer
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - D J Fidler
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Onnivello S, Schworer EK, Daunhauer LA, Fidler DJ. Acquisition of cognitive and communication milestones in infants with Down syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2023; 67:239-253. [PMID: 34761472 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the timing of developmental milestones in typical and clinical populations facilitates intervention planning and the early detection of risk for co-occurring conditions. Normative timing of developmental milestone achievement has been established for typically developing children. However, there is little information regarding the timing of cognitive and communication skill acquisition in young children with Down syndrome (DS). The objectives of this study are to (1) provide foundational information regarding the timing of cognitive and communication skill acquisition in infants with DS and (2) facilitate the early identification of infants with risk for co-occurring conditions. METHOD Seventy-four infants with DS (age range: 4-18 months) completed the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III (Bayley 2006). Individual items from the cognitive and communication scales were selected for analysis. Parents provided information regarding their infant's developmental and family history. RESULTS The percentage of infants who attained each skill was calculated within 2-month age bands. For infants who did not show skill acquisition within each age band, the rates of prematurity, heart defects, corrective heart surgery and significant illness were calculated as well. CONCLUSIONS This study provides foundational information that can contribute to the formulation of a developmental schedule for cognitive and language milestone acquisition in infants with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Onnivello
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - E K Schworer
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - L A Daunhauer
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - D J Fidler
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Van Deusen K, Prince MA, Esbensen AJ, Edgin JO, Schworer EK, Thurman AJ, Patel LR, Daunhauer LA, Fidler DJ. Profiles of Caregiver-Reported Executive Function in Children with Down Syndrome. Brain Sci 2022; 12:1333. [PMID: 36291267 PMCID: PMC9599143 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12101333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with Down syndrome (DS) are at risk for challenges with aspects of executive function (EF). The current study explores whether heterogeneity in EF profiles can be detected within a sample of children with DS. Participants were 69 children with DS, ages 3-10 years (M = 6.23, SD = 1.91). T-scores from a caregiver-report measure of executive function were modeled using latent profile analysis, and auxiliary analyses examined the association between demographic and biomedical factors and probability of profile membership. The two-profile solution was the best fit for the sample, with a profile that involved elevated scores in working memory only ("Working Memory Only" profile; 43% of sample) and a "Multi-Domain" profile that involved elevated scores in planning, inhibition, and working memory (57%). The presence of congenital heart defects was associated with a higher probability of assignment to the Multi-Domain profile. Findings from this study contribute to the characterization of heterogeneous outcomes associated with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylyn Van Deusen
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Mark A. Prince
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Anna J. Esbensen
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Jamie O. Edgin
- Sonoran University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Emily K. Schworer
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Angela John Thurman
- Department of Psychiatry, MIND Institute, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Lina R. Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Lisa A. Daunhauer
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Deborah J. Fidler
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Motor Coordination and Global Development in Subjects with Down Syndrome: The Influence of Physical Activity. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11175031. [PMID: 36078962 PMCID: PMC9457525 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Many research studies have investigated motor impairments and delayed development in children with Down Syndrome (DS). However, very few studies detected these features in adults with DS. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between motor coordination and global development in subjects with DS, including adults. Furthermore, the second aim was to detect any differences in motor coordination and global development as a function of the practice of physical activity (PA) in this population. Methods: Twenty-five participants with DS (10 f, 15 m), with a chronological mean age of 27.24 years and development mean age of cognitive area of 4.93 years, were enrolled and divided into a physically active group (PA-G; n = 15) and a physically inactive group (PI-G; n = 10). All participants performed the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC) to assess fine and gross motor skills, while the Developmental Profile 3 (DP-3) checklist was administered to the parents in order to screen strengths and weaknesses of five developmental areas of their relatives with DS. Results: Our results showed positive correlations between the following variables: global motor coordination and global development, global motor coordination and adaptive behavior development area, aiming and catching skills and global development, aiming and catching skills and adaptive behavior development area. As for the practice of PA, PA-G showed higher scores than PI-G in all the tasks of both the M-ABC and the DP-3, though significant differences were found only for the global motor coordination, for the aiming and catching skills, as well as for the physical development area. Conclusions: The findings of this study reinforce the need to implement and encourage the practice of PA in order to promote well-being and social inclusion in subjects with DS.
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Effectiveness of Dance/Movement Therapy Intervention for Children with Intellectual Disability at an Early Childhood Special Education Preschool. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DANCE THERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10465-022-09356-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Hawley LE, Prochaska F, Stringer M, Goodlett CR, Roper RJ. Sexually dimorphic DYRK1A overexpression on postnatal day 15 in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome: Effects of pharmacological targeting on behavioral phenotypes. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 217:173404. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Cognitive profiles in children and adolescents with Down syndrome. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1936. [PMID: 35121796 PMCID: PMC8816899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05825-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Down syndrome (DS) phenotype is usually characterized by relative strengths in non-verbal skills and deficits in verbal processing, but high interindividual variability has been registered in the syndrome. The goal of this study was to explore the cognitive profile, considering verbal and non-verbal intelligence, of children and adolescents with DS, also taking into account interindividual variability. We particularly aimed to investigate whether this variability means that we should envisage more than one cognitive profile in this population. The correlation between cognitive profile and medical conditions, parents’ education levels and developmental milestones was also explored. Seventy-two children/adolescents with DS, aged 7–16 years, were assessed with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-III. Age-equivalent scores were adopted, and Verbal and Non-Verbal indices were obtained for each individual. The cognitive profile of the group as a whole was characterized by similar scores in the verbal and non-verbal domain. Cluster analysis revealed three different profiles, however: one group, with the lowest scores, had the typical profile associated with DS (with higher non-verbal than verbal intelligence); one, with intermediate scores, had greater verbal than non-verbal intelligence; and one, with the highest scores, fared equally well in the verbal and non-verbal domain. Three cognitive profiles emerged, suggesting that educational support for children and adolescents with DS may need to be more specific.
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Sacco S, Bouis C, Gallard J, Pichot A, Blondiaux E, Marey I, Dorison N, Sturtz F, Cieuta-Walti C, Ravel A, Mircher C. Psychomotor development in infants and young children with Down syndrome-A prospective, repeated measure, post-hoc analysis. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 188:818-827. [PMID: 34863019 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Children with Down syndrome (DS) show delayed acquisition of cognitive and functional skills compared to typically developing children. The objective of this study was to accurately describe early development of infants and young children (children hereafter) with DS based on a large recent sample. We carried out repeated measure analysis of the global development quotient (GDQ) and developmental age using data from the Assessment of Systematic Treatment with Folinic Acid and Thyroid Hormone on Psychomotor Development of Down Syndrome Young Children (ACTHYF) study (NCT01576705). Because there was no statistically significant difference in the primary endpoint between active treatment and placebo, data from all treatment groups were pooled for post-hoc analysis. Data of 141 children with DS aged 6-18 months at inclusion were analyzed. Mean GDQ decreased over the study period, especially in the youngest age classes ([6-9] and [9-12] months), indicating that acquisition of skills occurred at a slower pace compared to typically developing children. Strongest deficits were observed for motor and hearing and language skills. Only GDQ at baseline correlated significantly with evolution of GDQ. Future studies should aim at elucidating the mechanisms underlying motor and language development. Early pharmacological interventions together with early childhood therapies might be necessary to improve the developmental trajectory of children with DS.
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Trisna Windiani IGA, Aryati NMD, Sugitha Adnyana IGAN, Murti NLSP, Soetjiningsih S. Association of Comorbid with Developmental Quotient in Down Syndrome Children. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disorder in children. Children with DS tend to have various comorbid due to developmental abnormalities of chromosome 21, such as congenital heart defects, hearing loss, otitis media, eye disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid hormone disorders, gastrointestinal atresia, hip joint dislocation, leukemia, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Moreover, they also show cognitive impairments in concentration, communication, memory, and the ability to carry out tasks. Caput Scale/Clinical Adaptive Test/Clinical Linguistic and Auditory Milestone Scale (CAT-CLAMS) is one of the developmental assessment instruments to screen for cognitive disorders.
AIM: Hereby, we aimed to find the association of comorbid with developmental quotient in DS children. Data were obtained from medical record with sample age 0–18 years and suffering from DS.
METHODS: This was observational analytic study with cross-sectional approach, conducted in DS children age 0–18 years who were treated in Sanglah Hospital in 2018. Characteristic data and comorbid were obtained from medical record, meanwhile, development status was assessed using Caput Scale/CAT-CLAMS. Chi-square was applied to determine the association between comorbidities and development quotient (DQ) in DS children.
RESULTS: A total of 32 children with DS were treated in Sanglah Hospital during 2018 with median age was 2 years old and dominated by female patient (71.9%). Several comorbidities were found such as endocrine disorders in 27 children (84.3%), congenital heart disease (CHD) in 16 children (50%), and other comorbid including microcephaly, congenital cataract, palatoschizis, gastrointestinal defects, and congenital talipes equinovarus in 13 children (40.4%). The most common endocrine disorders was congenital hypothyroidism (81.25%), while the most common CHD was patent ductus arteriosus (25%). Bivariate Chi-square analysis showed significant association between comorbid and DQ (PR = 1.4 [95% CI 0.95–1.97], p = 0.03).
CONCLUSION: We found an association between comorbidities and DQ in DS children.
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Trisomy of Human Chromosome 21 Orthologs Mapping to Mouse Chromosome 10 Cause Age and Sex-Specific Learning Differences: Relevance to Down Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111697. [PMID: 34828303 PMCID: PMC8618694 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. The Dp10(1)Yey (Dp10) is a mouse model of DS that is trisomic for orthologs of 25% of the Hsa21 protein-coding genes, the entirety of the Hsa21 syntenic region on mouse chromosome 10. Trisomic genes include several involved in brain development and function, two that modify and regulate the activities of sex hormones, and two that produce sex-specific phenotypes as null mutants. These last four are the only Hsa21 genes with known sexually dimorphic properties. Relatively little is known about the potential contributions to the DS phenotype of segmental trisomy of Mmu10 orthologs. Here, we have tested separate cohorts of female and male Dp10 mice, at 3 and 9 months of age, in an open field elevated zero maze, rotarod, and balance beam, plus the learning and memory tasks, spontaneous alternation, puzzle box, double-H maze, context fear conditioning, and acoustic startle/prepulse inhibition, that depend upon the function of the prefrontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum. We show that there are age and sex-specific differences in strengths and weaknesses, suggesting that genes within the telomere proximal region of Hsa21 influence the DS phenotype.
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Ahmed MM, Block A, Busquet N, Gardiner KJ. Context Fear Conditioning in Down Syndrome Mouse Models: Effects of Trisomic Gene Content, Age, Sex and Genetic Background. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101528. [PMID: 34680922 PMCID: PMC8535510 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), trisomy of the long arm of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID). Currently, there are no effective pharmacotherapies. The success of clinical trials to improve cognition depends in part on the design of preclinical evaluations in mouse models. To broaden understanding of the common limitations of experiments in learning and memory, we report performance in context fear conditioning (CFC) in three mouse models of DS, the Dp(16)1Yey, Dp(17)1Yey and Dp(10)1Yey (abbreviated Dp16, Dp17 and Dp10), separately trisomic for the human Hsa21 orthologs mapping to mouse chromosomes 16, 17 and 10, respectively. We examined female and male mice of the three lines on the standard C57BL/6J background at 3 months of age and Dp17 and Dp10 at 18 months of age. We also examined female and male mice of Dp17 and Dp10 at 3 months of age as F1 hybrids obtained from a cross with the DBA/2J background. Results indicate that genotype, sex, age and genetic background affect CFC performance. These data support the need to use both female and male mice, trisomy of sets of all Hsa21 orthologs, and additional ages and genetic backgrounds to improve the reliability of preclinical evaluations of drugs for ID in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Mahiuddin Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Aaron Block
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Nicolas Busquet
- Department of Neurology, Animal Behavior and In Vivo Neurophysiology Core, NeuroTechnology Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Katheleen J. Gardiner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Amin RE, Abdel-Meguid IE, El-Refaie NM, Fakher W, El-Tabie D, El-Gindy HA. Clinical Profiles, Congenital Heart Disease, and Other Comorbidities Among Egyptian Children with Down Syndrome: A Tertiary Center Study. JOURNAL OF CHILD SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder. It is accompanied by several comorbidities, which could lead to severe morbidity and mortality. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most commonly described condition.
Objective This study aimed to determine clinical profiles, dysmorphic features, CHD, and DS associated comorbidities in a tertiary center (Cairo, Egypt).
Patients and Methods This descriptive study included 290 patients diagnosed with DS, who presented to the Clinical Genetics clinic, Cairo University Children Hospitals, from February 2018 to December 2019. The patients' ages ranged from 2 to 4 years old. All patients were evaluated by full history, clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, and assessment of developmental milestones. Patients' diagnostic investigations including karyotype, thyroid function, and echocardiography were checked.
Results The study population consisted of 290 children with DS of which 196 (67.6%) were male, 115 (40%) had CHD, the most prevalent atrial septal defect (ASD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and ventricular septal defect (VSD) accounting for 10.7, 7.1, and 4.2%, respectively. Common dysmorphic features were upward slanting palpebral fissures (98.6%), hypertelorism (97.9%), and sandal gap (60.7%). Thyroid dysfunction was the second prevalent comorbidity, found in 35 patients (12.1%). Global developmental delay was reported affecting language (99%), motor (94.8%), and social (92.8%) domains.
Conclusion The prevalence of CHD among children with DS was 40% with ASD, PDA, and VSD being the commonest. Thyroid dysfunction was the second most common comorbidity. The most prevalent dysmorphic features were upward slanting palpebral fissures, hypertelorism, and sandal gap. Developmental delay was very common, language being the most affected domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Ezzat Amin
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Walaa Fakher
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina El-Tabie
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hala Ahmed El-Gindy
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Early Regulatory Skills and Social Communication Development in Infants with Down Syndrome. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11020208. [PMID: 33572121 PMCID: PMC7915648 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with Down syndrome (DS) demonstrate substantial variability in communication and language outcomes. One potential source of variability in this skill area may be early regulatory function. Characterizing the early link between regulatory function and early social communication may benefit infants with DS at risk of difficulties with social communication and language skill acquisition. Forty-three infants with DS were assessed at two time points, six months apart. At Time 1, the average chronological age was 9.0 months (SD = 3.9) and caregivers completed the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R) to assess regulatory function. Six months later, caregivers rated infant communication at the second visit using the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Infant Toddler Checklist (CSBS-ITC). Infant developmental level was assessed at both visits using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition and caregivers reported on developmental history and biomedical comorbidities. Infant regulatory function at Time 1 predicted social communication outcomes at Time 2, six months later. Findings from this study suggest that elevated risk for pronounced communication challenges may be detectable as early as infancy in DS.
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Moyer AJ, Gardiner K, Reeves RH. All Creatures Great and Small: New Approaches for Understanding Down Syndrome Genetics. Trends Genet 2020; 37:444-459. [PMID: 33097276 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2020.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) contains more than 500 genes, making trisomy 21 one of the most complex genetic perturbations compatible with life. The ultimate goal of Down syndrome (DS) research is to design therapies that improve quality of life for individuals with DS by understanding which subsets of Hsa21 genes contribute to DS-associated phenotypes throughout the lifetime. However, the complexity of DS pathogenesis has made developing appropriate animal models an ongoing challenge. Here, we examine lessons learned from a variety of model systems, including yeast, nematode, fruit fly, and zebrafish, and discuss emerging methods for creating murine models that better reflect the genetic basis of trisomy 21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Moyer
- Department of Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katheleen Gardiner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA (retired)
| | - Roger H Reeves
- Department of Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Yamauchi Y, Aoki S, Koike J, Hanzawa N, Hashimoto K. Motor and cognitive development of children with Down syndrome: The effect of acquisition of walking skills on their cognitive and language abilities. Brain Dev 2019; 41:320-326. [PMID: 30503574 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the relationship between motor and cognitive/language development in children with Down syndrome (DS). We also tested the hypothesis that acquisition of walking skills facilitates later cognitive/language development. METHODS Participants were 156 children with DS who were less than 48 months old and had undergone a health checkup by medical doctors and received rehabilitation treatment between April 2013 and March 2017 in Yokohama, Japan. To assess their development, the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development (KSPD) 2001 was used, which measures development in three subdomains: Posture-Motor (P-M), Cognitive-Adaptive (C-A), and Language-Social (L-S). To investigate the relationship between motor and cognitive/language development, partial correlation analyses were conducted that controlled for participants' age. To test the effect of achieving walking skills, regression analyses were conducted using only data from participants who took the KSPD at least twice and could not walk at the initial test. RESULTS P-M developmental age (DA) was significantly and positively correlated with both C-A DA and L-S DA in children 1-3 years old. The relationship strengthened with increased age. Acquisition of walking skills had a significant positive effect on both the C-A DA and L-S DA at the second test when controlling for the C-A DA and L-S DA at the first test and age at the second test. CONCLUSION Motor development was correlated with both cognitive and language development in young children with DS. Results also suggested that achievement of walking could facilitate later cognitive/language development in children with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sayaka Aoki
- Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan.
| | - Junko Koike
- Yokohama Rehabilitation Center in Hokubu Area for Children, Japan
| | - Naomi Hanzawa
- Yokohama Rehabilitation Center in Konan Area for Children, Japan
| | - Keiji Hashimoto
- Division of Rehabilitation Medicine and Developmental Evaluation Center, National Center for Child Health and Development, Japan
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Fidler DJ, Schworer E, Will EA, Patel L, Daunhauer LA. Correlates of early cognition in infants with Down syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2019; 63:205-214. [PMID: 30461108 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While delays in cognitive development are detectable during early development in Down syndrome, the neuropsychological and biomedical underpinnings of cognitive skill acquisition in this population remain poorly understood. METHOD To explore this issue, 38 infants with Down syndrome [mean chronological age = 9.65 months; SD = 3.64] completed the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III and a set of laboratory tasks that measured sustained attention (duration of visual attention during a 1-min object exploration task), attention shifting (mean latency to shift attention on an alternating object presentation task) and visual short-term memory (dishabituation to a novel object on a change preference task). RESULTS Latency to shift attention was negatively associated with Bayley Cognitive Scale raw scores, even when controlling for the effects of chronological age, r (33) = -.41, P = .02. In addition, prematurity status was associated with latency to shift attention. CONCLUSIONS Early attention shifting may be an important factor that facilitates overall cognitive skill acquisition in infants with Down syndrome, and premature birth may be a risk factor for difficulties on this dimension.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Fidler
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - E Schworer
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - E A Will
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - L Patel
- Pediatric Mental Health Institute, Children's Hospital of Colorado, CO, USA
| | - L A Daunhauer
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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