What are the genetic causes of muscle dystrophy?
muscle dystrophy in which the muscles of the body is unusually weak is a hereditary condition. The genetic causes of muscle dystrophy are specific to the type of dystrophy that the patient suffers from. In general, abnormalities in the individual genes inhibit their ability to build and maintain healthy muscles. For example, myotonic dystrophy (DM) is associated with defects in chromosomes 3 and 19. Although scientists have to develop a treatment that effectively solves the genetic causes of muscle dystrophy, proper exercise and therapy can delay degenerative effects.
Among the many different genetic causes of muscle dystrophy, a defect in gene dystrophy myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) is the most common. In some individuals, cytosine-gymin-guanin triplet is found in DMPK repeated abnormally, resulting in type 1 dystrophy (DM1). DM1 represents almost 98% of cases of myotonics dystrophy. Dystrophy type 2 myotonica (DM2), on the other hand, is caused by a repeat chain of cytosine-cytosine-thymin-guanin (CCTG) in a protein 9 ZI genenk finger 9 (ZFN9). DM1 and DM2 are among most cases of adult muscle dystrophy.
Another very common type of muscle dystrophy is Duchenne's muscle dystrophy (DMD). In DMD there are genetic causes of muscle dystrophy mutation in the dystrophin gene. Abnormality causes several complex reactions that eventually lead to the death of muscle fibers. Mutations in the dystrophin gene may also result in Becker's muscle dystrophy, a less serious DMD relative. These irregularities may be caused by a number of influences, including toxic substances that damage the developing fruits in the womb.
The genetic causes of muscle dystrophy are generally incurable, although continuing research shows promising. For example, in the case of DM1, genetic haircut has allowed scientists to replicate and reverse the state in mice. Similar research is performed on other genetic causes of muscle dystrophy, with mixed results.
Treatment of muscle dystrophy is mainly used to help patients manage symptoms and maintain decent quality of life. Medicines such as corticosteroids can help increase the patient's strength to a functional level. Treatment is often associated with regular physical therapy to improve the tone of muscles and delay of cell degeneration. If the condition proceeds to a serious level, it is necessary to supplement the patient's consumables by assisted breathing, as muscle failure makes breathing more difficult. Although muscle dystrophy can be extremely weakening in serious cases, modern treatment allows individuals affected by diseases to manage symptoms.