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Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Causes

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Causes


Top Causes

1. Inherited genetic disorder

Duchenne muscular dystrophy may be the result of inheriting a genetic disorder from one’s parents. According to the genes distribution in the human body, males have one X and one Y chromosome. On the other hand, females have two X chromosomes. Men usually are more prone to developing duchenne muscular dystrophy because if the X chromosome is abnormal, there is not an additional chromosome to compensate for it. On the other hand, women have two X chromosomes and this is the reason why women are not victims of this disease. 

2. Lack of dystrophin

Dystrophin is an important gene of the human body. They are responsible for the correct performing of the muscles in your body. Lack of dystrophin can also lead to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. For individuals who do not have the dystrophin gene, their muscles are easily wasted and their condition deteriorates. Dystrophin gene is also an essential protein muscle. This gene plays the role of glue and keeps the muscles together. Dystrophin gene lives on the X chromosome of men. 

3. Error in copying process of genes

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is not always inherited from the parents. Recent clinical surveys have brought forward new findings and, according to the survey, this disease can affect individuals who do not have a family history of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It has been seen in some cases that during the copying process in individuals, the cells often commit a mistake and one of the genes has a faulty part. This new gene abnormality or is one of the causes of this disease when it is not inherited from an individual’s parents. 

4. Negligence in checking if the woman is a carrier of the disease

It has been found recently that many women who are themselves carriers of the disease do not show any signs of the disease. This may be a genetic problem but since the mother will not show any signs of the disorder, she may pass it to her children. The mother becomes merely the carrier of the disease. This becomes a grave problem later for the child. To avoid this future mishap, it is always advisable to check whether the woman is a carrier of the disease before she becomes pregnant. This will help in saving the life of her children as they will be spared from getting affected by this disease. It is better to have a thorough check up to make sure that you are not passing this disease to your children. 

5. Inactivity may contribute in aggravating the disease

For individuals who have been diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the earlier stages, it is very important for them to remain active so as to lessen the damage caused by the disease and from falling an easy prey to it. Inactivity on the part of the individual can be harmful. Bed rest will further weaken the muscles and aggravate the disease. Physical therapies may prove to be beneficial for the maintenance of the strength of the muscles and also in its functioning. Activity should be maintained at all costs. An individual can even take the help of orthopedic appliances like braces and wheelchairs to increase the mobility and taking care of themselves. 

6. Abnormal mutation of cells

It has been found that in individuals affected with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the disease has been the result of an abnormal mutation of the cells. Females, especially expectant mothers, often carry a copy of a Duchenne muscular dystrophy mutation and may show signs of the disease. These includes weakening of muscles or cramps in the muscles. Though these are milder signs to understand the disease, they are however essential in determining the severity of the disease. 

7. Malfunctioning of immune system

Duchenne muscular dystrophy may also be caused by the body’s own immune system. An imbalance in the hormone may also result in the development of this muscular disorder. Clinical research has proved that even the intake of certain medicines can cause Duchenne muscular dystrophy in many individuals. 

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