User:Salehjaser/Dystrophin-associated protein complex

Dystrophin-associated protein complex
Muscular Dystrophy, the result of mutations in the genes that encode for dystrophin and the associated proteins that binds to it can arise in various forms. The most common form is known as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is usually discovered in early childhood and is most often seen occurring in males. There are several associated symptoms that can be observed in such patients including but not limited to a delay in walking and sitting, difficulty in breathing and heart failure. These symptoms are found as a result of the inability to synthesize dystrophin and associate protein complexes that leave muscles weal and unable to repair any damaged sustained. These perpetually weak muscles prohibit normal physical activity.

There has been extensive research to discover treatment for DMD, but unfortunately most treatments are associated with negative side effects. Medication, physical therapy, and contracture management are often employed. The most common drug treated against DMD is known to be Deflazacort yielding the greatest benefits with the most acceptable side effects. Physical therapy consists of varying exercises that aim to increase muscle strength and durability so to facilitate normal physical activity and is recommended to begin as early as possible after diagnosis. Contracture intervention is recommended for patients in the middle ambulatory stage. However, surgical approach to DMD is declining as less invasive treatment becomes available. While treatment for DMD has been observed to improve muscle function and quality of life, a cure to the debilitating disease remains to be found.