Growth Hormone Increases Bone Toughness and Decreases Muscle Inflammation in Glucocorticoid ‐Treated Mdx Mice, Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of daily growth hormone therapy in growing mdx mice as a model of DMD. Growth hormone treatment on its own or in combination with glucocorticoids significantly improved muscle histology and function and decreased markers of inflam mation in mdx mice. Glucocorticoid treatment thinned cortical bone and decreased bone strength and toughness. Despite the minimal effects of growth hormone on bone microarchitecture, it significantly improved biomechanical properties of femurs and vertebrae, even in the presence of glucocorticoid tr eatment. Together these studies suggest that the use of growth hormone in DMD should be considered for improvements to muscle and bone health.
Source: Journal of Bone and Mineral Research - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research