New Theory of Cause "Down Syndrome"

Until now, experts do not know the exact cause of Down syndrome or mental retardation disorders. Down syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality on chromosome 21 where additional amounts of chromosomes.

There are 22 pairs of human chromosomes. In those affected by Down syndrome, chromosome to chromosome-21 there are additional or displacement chromosomes from other places so that the chromosome 21 plus the we know trisomy 21.

Due to the addition of chromosomes, there will be disorder in children. Usually the disorder of the nerves, bones, skin, heart and digestive function.


Patients with Down syndrome have a distinctive face, for example because there is interference with the growth of bone, the bone is more flat forehead, the bridge is more flat eye, left eye and right eye slightly apart, position the lower earlobe. What is clear, his face very specific mongolism and are mentally retarded.

Researchers from the United States recently revealed the latest theory of the cause of Down syndrome. Mentioned that the loss of protein in the brain in small amounts, not much like that during this alleged, explains why Down syndrome occurs.

The researchers found, both in humans and mice suffering from Down syndrome, had higher levels of specific proteins in the brain less than a normal person. At the trial the administration of drugs in mice, apparently managed to restore the protein levels become normal again.

"Now we come to the new paradigm that we should see the amount of protein is reduced and not excessive in the brains of people with Down syndrome. This is the opportunities to develop a treatment target of therapy down syndrome," said senior researcher Terry Elton, a professor of pharmacology from Ohio State University, U.S..

Prevalence of Down syndrome is approximately 1 vs. 700 births. In the world, there are approximately 8 million children down syndrome. In Indonesia, the latest survey results, has reached more than 300,000 people