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Serum NGF levels in children and adolescents with either Williams syndrome or Down syndrome
Author(s) -
Calamandrei Gemma,
Alleva Enrico,
Cirulli Francesca,
Queyras Armelle,
Volterra Virginia,
Capirci Olga,
Vicari Stefano,
Giannotti Aldo,
Turrini Paolo,
Aloe Luigi
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2000.tb00037.x
Subject(s) - nerve growth factor , hyperacusis , williams syndrome , psychology , neuropsychology , typically developing , brain derived neurotrophic factor , cognition , medicine , neurotrophic factors , developmental psychology , endocrinology , audiology , hearing loss , psychiatry , autism , receptor
The neurotrophin nerve growth factor (NGF) is a major regulator of peripheral and central nervous system development. Serum NGF was measured in normally developing control children ( n =26) and in individuals affected by congenital syndromes associated with learning disability: either Williams syndrome (WS; n =12) or Down syndrome (DS; n =21). Participants were assessed at three distinct developmental stages: early childhood (2 to 6 years), childhood (8 to 12 years), and adolescence (14 to 20 years). A sample was taken only once from each individual. Serum NGF levels were markedly higher in participants with WS, than DS and control participants. In addition, different developmental profiles emerged in the three groups: while in normally developing individuals NGF levels were higher in early childhood than later on, children with WS showed constantly elevated NGF levels. When compared to control participants, those with DS showed lower NGF levels only during early childhood. Neuropsychological assessment confirmed previously reported differences among the three groups in the development of linguistic/cognitive abilities. Some features of individuals with WS, such as hyperacusis and hypertension, could be related to high‐circulating NGF levels.