Indian Scientist proposes to have found treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – Health & GS-III – Achievements of Indians in Sci and Tech
In news
- Sandeep Eswarappa, Assistant Professor at IISc, Bengaluru proposes to provide new genetic treatment for duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Important value additions
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe type of muscular dystrophy that primarily affects boys.
- Females with a single copy of the defective gene may show mild symptoms.
- Muscle weakness usually begins around the age of four, and worsens quickly.
- Muscle loss typically occurs first in the thighs and pelvis followed by the arms.
- This can result in trouble standing up.
- Most are unable to walk by the age of 12.
- Scoliosis is also common.
- Some may have intellectual disability.
Do you know?
- It is caused by a mutation in the gene for the protein dystrophin.
- Dystrophin is important to maintain the muscle fiber’s cell membrane.
- Although there is no known cure, physical therapy, braces, and corrective surgery may help with some symptoms.
