Mental retardation in Down syndrome: a hydrogen sulfide hpothesis

Med Hypotheses. 2001 Sep;57(3):389-92. doi: 10.1054/mehy.2001.1377.

Abstract

Mental retardation is progressive in Down syndrome: individuals are born with normal intelligence which starts to decline linearly within the first year. This phenomenon can be observed with phenylalanine in patients with phenylketonuria, therefore it is compatible with metabolic intoxication. The toxic compound could be hydrogen sulfide. The amount of the compound is probably increased in Down syndrome by increasing active cystathionine beta synthase. This heuristic hypothesis requires further investigation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Down Syndrome / complications*
  • Down Syndrome / etiology
  • Down Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / metabolism*
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intellectual Disability / complications*
  • Intellectual Disability / etiology
  • Intellectual Disability / physiopathology
  • Intelligence

Substances

  • Hydrogen Sulfide