Gonadal function in young women with Down syndrome

Topic: Brain proteins, microglia and lab models

Objective Investigations suggest an increased incidence of gonadal dysfunction in patients with Down syndrome. New features, Alzheimer disease and osteoporosis emerge in these individuals. Therefore, hormonal investigation in persons with Down syndrome is pursued. Methods Thirteen females with trisomy 21 (23.65 +/- 3.23 years old) participated in the study. Ultrasound studies were performed to explore the internal genitals. Blood samples were taken for the determination of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), testosterone (T) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP). Results The patients were at stage V of sexual development. Ultrasonography demonstrated normal uterine and ovarian size and endometrial thickness as well. The ovaries of all patients contained follicles of normal distribution and various sizes. The mean concentrations of FSH, DHEA-S and E2 were normal. The level of PRL was significantly higher than that of the controls, but within the normal lab range. The levels of LH, T and 17-OHP were significantly elevated, compared to those of the control group (P Conclusions Our data produce new information on the gonadal function of Down syndrome women. Specific studies on pituitary-gonadal and pituitary-adrenal axis function are needed.

Key findings

• Results The patients were at stage V of sexual development.
• Ultrasonography demonstrated normal uterine and ovarian size and endometrial thickness as well.
• The level of PRL was significantly higher than that of the controls, but within the normal lab range.
• The levels of LH, T and 17-OHP were significantly elevated, compared to those of the control group (P Conclusions Our data produce new information on the gonadal function of Down syndrome women.

Why it matters

This small study of 13 young women with Down syndrome found normal ovarian and uterine structure and mostly normal hormone levels, with some hormones elevated compared to controls. It provides no information about treating, curing or preventing Alzheimer's disease.

Study details

• Evidence strengthLow

Read the original

• DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7292(99)00123-x
• PubMed: 10576235
• Original source →

May need a subscription OpenAlex found no free copy of the full text (checked 6 Feb 1020), so the publisher may charge for it. The PubMed abstract is free.

@article{angelopoulou1999-10576235,
  author  = {Angelopoulou, N. and Souftas, V. and Sakadamis, A. and Matziari, C. and Papameletiou, V. and Mandroukas, K.},
  title   = {{Gonadal function in young women with Down syndrome}},
  journal = {International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics},
  year    = {1999},
  doi     = {10.1016/s0020-7292(99)00123-x},
  pmid    = {10576235},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1016/s0020-7292(99)00123-x}
}

Studies this one cites

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• Down syndrome Pediatric clinics of North America · 1993-06-01 · usefulness score 38/100 · Down syndrome and Alzheimer's
• The evolution of ovarian oocyte decline with aging and possible relationships to Down syndrome and Alzheimer disease Experimental gerontology · 1994-05-01 · usefulness score 35/100 · Down syndrome and Alzheimer's

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