Molecule raises hope in battle against muscular dystrophy

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2007

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US researchers have created a synthetic molecule that reversed a key symptom of muscular dystrophy in mice, a study said Thursday, raising hope in the battle against the debilitating disease.

The University of Rochester Medical Center researchers injected a component into mice that eliminated myotonia, a symptom which in people causes muscles to tense up and weaken, the study said.

"The significance of this work is the proof of concept that a fundamental aspect of this genetic disease can be reversed even after it is very well established," said Charles Thornton, co-director of the university's Neuromuscular Disease Center.

"It encourages us to believe that other parts of the disease could be reversible as well," said Thornton, the senior...