The earliest cases of muscular dystrophy were detected in 1830 when a study was conducted on young boys on the progressive weakening of their muscles. This was done by Sir Charles Bell and it was understood that about 30 genetic disorders were responsible for the alarming rate of muscle weakening that applied to all voluntary movements.
The symptoms of muscular dystrophy worsen with time as the muscles deteriorate continually and start to weaken. There are nine types of muscular dystrophy. This set of genetically affected disorders share some pathological characteristics but differs in the age of onset, rate at which it progresses, distribution of weakness, severity, inheritance pattern and molecular defect.
Muscular Dystrophy Stem Cell Treatment
Several studies are being conducted on the possibilities of stem cell regeneration and repair of the damaged muscles cells. Stem cells are those types of cells that develop at the early growth stage and have the capability to convert into any type of body cells and undergo self regeneration. The adult muscles are able to undergo renewal and regeneration due to the presence of distinctive subpopulation of muscle cells known as satellite cells.These cells are chiefly associated with skeletal muscle regeneration. For Muscular Dystrophy Stem Cell Treatment is considered a great option as in order to treat this disorder there is a need for progressive muscle proteins and restoration of the stem cell pool.
The mechanism which is involved in stem cell treatment for muscular dystrophy is cell infusion, secretion of cytokines, increased oxygen supply and vascularization in the damaged area. These mechanisms act together to prevent cell death, decrease symptoms and restore damaged tissues.
Other Treatments for Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is one of the most complicated disorders and although its symptoms are well understood its treatment is elusive. The most conventional method is the use of drugs which helps to combat muscle dystrophy. Gene therapy is an advanced therapy wherein the defective or damaged gene is replaced with the normal gene.
At NeuroGen BSI over 1000 patients have been treated with stem cell therapy for muscular dystrophy. After successful completion of the therapy patients have shown remarkable improvement in trunk muscle strength, limb strength on manual muscle testing and balance, ambulation, hand function, increase in stamina and better trunk balance.
