Folate Metabolism and the Risk of Down Syndrome

Autor/in	Patterson, David
Titel	Folate Metabolism and the Risk of Down Syndrome
Quelle	In: Down Syndrome Research and Practice, 12 (2008) 2, S.93-97 (5 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0968-7912
DOI	10.3104/updates.2051
Schlagwörter	Metabolism; Investigations; Down Syndrome; Pregnancy; At Risk Persons; Prenatal Influences; Mothers; Correlation; Genetic Disorders; Foreign Countries; India + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Stoffwechsel; Untersuchung; 'Downs Syndrome; Down''s Syndrome'; Down-Syndrom; Schwangerschaft; Risikogruppe; Pränataler Einfluss; Mother; Mutter; Korrelation; Ausland; Indien
Abstract	Folate is an important vitamin that contributes to cell division and growth and is therefore of particular importance during infancy and pregnancy. Folate deficiency has been associated with slowed growth, anaemia, weight loss, digestive disorders and some behavioural issues. Adequate folate intake around the time of conception and early pregnancy can reduce the risk of certain problems including neural tube defects. It has been suggested that certain versions (polymorphisms) of some genes can increase the risk of conceiving a baby with Down syndrome. If this is the case, then people with Down syndrome may be more likely to carry these forms of these genes and to experience associated problems in folate metabolism. Studies to date have found conflicting results, suggesting that these gene variants may be part of a more complex picture. In this issue, a further study reports no association between the presence of a common polymorphism of one of these genes and the risk of having a child with Down syndrome among mothers of Northern Indian origin. This article reviews these challenging findings and looks at where investigations can now go to resolve these issues. (Contains 1 figure and 2 tables.) (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Down Syndrome Education International. The Sarah Duffen Centre, Belmont Street, Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 1NA, UK. Tel: +44-023-9285-5330; Fax: +44-023-9285-5320; e-mail: enquiries@downsed.org; Website: http://www.downsed.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10