ASSOCIATION OF DEOXY-RIBONUCLEIC ACID DAMAGE AMONG THE RISK FACTORS ATTRIBUTING TO DELAYED MILESTONES

Surraj S; Parkash Chand; Vishnu Bhat B; Nandeesha H; Raveendranath V

Volume : VII, Issue : V, May - 2018

ASSOCIATION OF DEOXY-RIBONUCLEIC ACID DAMAGE AMONG THE RISK FACTORS ATTRIBUTING TO DELAYED MILESTONES

Surraj S, Parkash Chand, Vishnu Bhat B, Nandeesha H, Raveendranath V

Abstract :

Background and aims:Delay in milestones can be either due to syndromes or due to other non–syndromic causes with risk factors. An undoubtedly marked DNA damage occurs in developmental delay due to non–syndromic causes, just as it occurs in chromosomal syndromic anomalies leading to delayed development but there is an element of uncertainty whether this damage to the DNA is actually associated with the various risk factors that are the prominent causes for non–syndromic developmental delay or whether it is occurring spontaneously . Hence the present study aims to just find out if there is a certain degree of DNA damage associated with the major risk factors that contribute to delayed development non–syndromically. However this study does not test the causational role of the risk factors in damaging the DNA. Methodology: In this observational study, the DNA damage was assessed in the lymphocytes of 30 clinically diagnosed children with non–syndromic developmental delay using the comet assay.The levels of DNA damage has been assessed for some of the major risk factors like low birth weight, low socioeconomic status, asphyxia, microcephaly, preterm birth and increased duration of hospital stay. The levels of DNA damage has also been assessed for the various modes of delivery and with the severity of developmental delay. Results: Significantly elevated levels of DNA damage was found only in children with low birth weight ( p<0.001 ), but not among the other risk factors (p>0.05), though there were marginal elevations in DNA damage among the other risk factors.Conclusion: Non–syndromic risk factors are associated with an underlying genetic basis of DNA damage in attributing to developmental delay