Objective:

To evaluate immunometabolic interactions in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and compare selected inflammatory and metabolic parameters with those observed in their siblings.

Approach:

• Study Design: The study included 63 individuals divided into two groups: 42 with DS and 21 controls, analyzed by age groups (≤ 18 years and >18 years).
• Methods: Carbohydrate-lipid and immunological profiles were analyzed using spectrophotometric and immunoenzymatic methods, with statistical analysis performed using R studio software.

Key Findings:

• Higher obesity rates in the DS group ≤ 18 years (p=0.04).
• Statistically significant higher levels of non-HDL (p=0.02) and apoB (p=0.04) in the DS group.
• Lower cytokine levels for IL-10 (p=0.006), IL-13 (p<0.01), and IL-22 (p=0.002) in the DS group.
• IL-5 showed the highest diagnostic utility among cytokines (AUC = 0.814, sens%=71.10, spec%=88.1).

Interpretation:

The presence of an additional copy of chromosome 21 leads to changes in the immune system and influences cytokine profiles, potentially increasing the risk of metabolic disorders.

Limitations:

• The study sample size was relatively small (n=63).
• The analysis was limited to selected inflammatory and metabolic parameters.

Conclusion:

Significant differences were observed between individuals with Down syndrome and their siblings, highlighting the need for further research into immunometabolic interactions in this population.