Oxidative stress and metabolism at rest and during exercise in persons with Down syndrome.

BackgroundDown syndrome (DS) is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. The greater oxidative stress described in DS can increase this risk owing to its potential deleterious effects on insulin sensitivity. We hypothesized that metabolic syndrome or its markers, at rest and during exercise, are more pronounced in young adults with DS.DesignThe study design is that of a controlled study.MethodsThirteen physically active young adults with DS, after overnight polysomnography, plasma-lipid profile, and insulin-resistance [Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)] assessments, underwent a sub-maximal progressive treadmill exercise (10 min at 30 and 50%, and 20 min at 75% of Vo2 max), allowing for maximal fat-oxidation rate and blood-oxidative stress determinations. They were compared with 15 healthy control participants (C).ResultsVo2 max of DS participants was lower than that of C (60.8 ±2.4 versus 44.4 ± 3.3 ml/kg/min; P < 0.001) but was close to the predicted value ...