ScienceDaily: New Step Toward Treatment For Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive weakening and degeneration of the muscles, caused by a mutation in a gene coding for a protein called dystrophin. This protein is absent in the muscles of people affected with the disorder.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is one of the most tragic childhood illnesses. The kids retain their mental abilities and are very aware of their deterioration. Most kids with this condition do not live past their late teens, and almost none make it to 30. This study shows that by performing muscle cell transplants, doctors can get the new tissue to continue to produce dystrophin. The research have just recieved permission to expand their study, since the first trial of nine youngsters showed a great deal of promise.
