Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, X-linked genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to mutations in the dystrophin gene, leading to the absence or dysfunction of the dystrophin protein essential for muscle cell stability. Primarily affecting males, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 3,500 male births, DMD typically manifests around age four with initial weakness in the pelvic and thigh muscles, rapidly progressing to involve the arms and other skeletal muscles. The disease results in significant functional decline, requiring assisted ventilation and ultimately leading to premature death. In addition to skeletal muscle involvement, DMD affects cardiac muscle, making it a multi-systemic condition. The lack of dystrophin renders muscle fibers more susceptible to damage, and over time, the body's ability to repair and regenerate muscle tissue is overwhelmed, resulting in muscle wasting and weakness. Despite ongoing research, no curative therapy is currently available.