| Down's Syndrome Explained This syndrome is all secondary to a genetic defect on chromosome-21. The gene for the production of an enzyme called superoxide dismutase is "over expressed" which means that the SOD enzyme increases in quantity. What happens is a decrease in a free radical called superoxide and an increase in hydrogen peroxide, because SOD converts superoxide to hydrogen peroxide. There is an over usage of glutathione peroxidase and catalase and thus the increased hydrogen peroxide can not be dealt with appropriately. This leads to the peroxide causing cellular damage and apoptosis (cell death). The elevated hydrogen peroxide combines with iron to give increased production of the hydroxyl radical (OH), another very damaging free radical. The above overuse of glutathione uses up selenium and this becomes very deficient. Between the deficiency and the oxidative free radical stress there is cell death (apoptosis) in the brain. Another biochemical defect related to the 21st chromosome is related to an enzyme called cystathionine beta synthase. This is over expressed and leads to an over consumption of an amino acid called serine and an increased level of homocysteine. This leads to vascular damage which is seen in Down's Syndrome. On the 21st chromosome there is a gene for collagen which is defective. This leads to: heart defects, laxity of the joints, abnormal short stature, abnormal fingerprints, small head with flat nasal bridge, large tongue, small ears, abnormal folds in the comer of the eyes and a short fleshy neck. Irregular development of teeth and short stubby hands with generalized decreased muscle tone is seen in almost all cases. All of these children become mentally retarded if nothing is done to stop the process. The mental retardation is not present at birth - it develops as the molecular injury occurs as the child grows. This is preventable! Many patients with this syndrome are hypothyroid because of either injury to the thyroid molecularly or secondary to a zinc or selenium deficiency. It is important to check for this. Immediately upon making the diagnosis of Trisomy-21 a program of massive antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and certain amino acids will be needed. Before doing these things or concurrently it is important to do the following: Amino Acid Analysis Heavy Metal Challenge Study Mineral Levels Thyroid Function Pancreatic Function Gastric Analysis Essential Fatty Acid Analysis Allergic Evaluation Celiac Evaluation Vitamin Levels Lactose Tolerance IgF-1 Levels Then begin the therapy which will combine: Nutritional Hormonal Antioxidant Nootropics With these therapies growth normalizes, mental deterioration is stopped and the abnormal body formations return towards normal. From a dietary standpoint it is important to avoid cow's milk products because of likely lactose intolerance. This can be tested for. Also, avoid sulfa drugs, ginko biloba, and spirullina (the latter two have large amounts of SOD). Avoid fluoride, cigarette and barbecue smoke. They negatively effect thyroid function. The outcome for a Down's Syndrome patient can be improved dramatically by doing these things that we described above. By the way none of what we are discussing can be detrimental so, even if you doubt the work of Turkel and Warner, what do you have to lose? |
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