The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Cardiomyopathy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disorder affecting 1 in 4700 male births.1 Although perceived primarily as a skeletal myopathy, boys also develop insidious and progressive cardiomyopathy. In the current era, cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of mortality.2 Because of skeletal muscle weakness, boys with cardiomyopathy are usually asymptomatic until they develop severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Cardiac imaging is the primary modality for diagnosis of dysfunction. Unfortunately, standard heart failure biomarkers, such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), are only increased at end stage.

Source: Journal of Cardiac Failure - February 11, 2019 Category: Cardiology Authors: Jonathan H Soslow, Meng Xu, James C Slaughter, Kimberly Crum, Joshua D Chew, W Bryan Burnette, Yan Ru Su, Kelsey Tomasek, David A Parra, Larry W Markham Tags: Clinical Investigation Source Type: research