Serum Homocysteine, Lipid Profile and BMI as Atherosclerotic Risk Factors in Children with Numerical Chromosomal Aberrations

Abstract Children with chromosomal disorders are at greater risk for cardiovascular comorbidities. Dyslipidemia and homocysteinemia have been identified to play a role in the pathogenesis of premature atherosclerosis. The current study aimed to explore the association of serum homocysteine level in children with numerical chromosomal disorders (Klinefelter syndrome, Down syndrome, and Turner syndrome) and explore its relation to dyslipidemia among such children. This case control study included 60 children with numerical chromosomal disorders (18 Klinefelter syndrome 22 Down syndrome and 20 Turner syndrome) diagnosed by cytogenetic analysis. In addition, 37 healthy normal weight children were included as control group. Anthropometric assessment was done for all groups including weight, height and body mass index was calculated. Serum level of homocysteine, cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein were measured for all included children. Serum homocysteine level was significantly higher in children with numerical chromosomal disorders in comparison to healthy controls. Serum homocysteine level has significant positive correlation with cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. Despite of the significant positive correlation between homocysteine serum levels and body mass index (BMI) in children with numerical chromosomal disorders, there was no significant difference in homocysteine level between children with and without obesity. Regression analysis demonstrated significant association between homocysteinemia and LDL level in children with chromosomal disorders (odd ratio: 1.396; 95% confidence interval: 1.177–1.657). There is significant association between dyslipidemia and homocysteinemia in children with non-mosaic numerical chromosomal disorders that positively correlated with body mass index.