Muscular Dystrophy

Taurine. There is some evidence that the amino acid taurine may be of benefit in the symptomatic treatment of MD. Taurine is abundant in normal skeletal muscle and is believed to exert both long- and short-term control over the functionality of ion channels (Conte Camarino D et al 2004). These channels serve as passageways between the interior of a cell and the cell’s external environment. An excessive influx of calcium ions into MD muscle cells is believed to play a significant role in the inflammation and pathology associated with the disease (Ruegg UT et al 2002). Accordingly, regulation of ion channel function would appear to play an especially important role in the management of MD.

In ordinary laboratory rodents, it has been shown that aging is associated with biochemical changes that decrease muscles’ ability to contract. These changes are accompanied by a decrease in muscle cell taurine content. When taurine becomes depleted in adult rat muscle cells, biochemical changes similar to those seen in aged rats occur. When aged rats are fed supplemental taurine, these changes may be reversed (Pierno S et al 1998).

Building on this preliminary research, Italian scientists investigated taurine’s potential to influence muscle status in mdx mice. To test taurine’s effects in MD, the researchers treated mdx mice with taurine or other substances for four to eight weeks. The animals were subjected to chronic exercise on a treadmill, an activity known to worsen symptoms of MD. Afterwards, animals were evaluated for various indicators of declining or improving muscle functionality. “Exercise produced a significant weakness,” researchers reported. But taurine “counteracted the exercise-induced weakness.” Among the substances tested, this counteraction effect was strongest for taurine. “The results predict a potential benefit of taurine . . . for treating human dystrophy,” the researchers concluded (De Luca A 2001, 2003).

Anti-Inflammatory Therapy

Inflammation is playing an increasingly large role in the research regarding MD. Physicians are steadily gaining knowledge and insight into the inflammatory changes that are responsible for much of the actual damage associated with many diseases, including MD. This progress opens up the possibility for new, targeted treatment that would interfere with the inflammatory cascade, thus limiting muscle damage and slowing the disease. Although most of this research remains speculative, there appears to be great promise in anti-inflammatory therapies for MD (Tidball JG et al 2005).

Scientists have shown that chronic inflammation in DMD results from the coordinated activity of numerous components, including cytokine and chemokine signaling, white blood cell adhesion, and complement system activation, among others (Porter JD et al 2002).

The omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), primarily obtained from fish oil, have repeatedly been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects when consumed in sufficient quantities (Ferrucci L et al 2006; La Guardia M et al 2005). Omega-3s are crucial components of cell membranes, where they contribute to stabilization and healthy function (Zamaria N 2004). Accordingly, at least one scientist has proposed that supplemental omega-3 fatty acids may be of some benefit in the nutritional support of MD patients (Leighton S 2003).

Product Availability

The blood tests discussed in this section are available through Life Extension National Diagnostics, Inc. For ordering information, call anytime toll-free 1-800-208-3444.