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Summary:
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy affects the production of the protein dystrophin in the body. This protein helps anchor muscles in place when they contract. The lack of dystrophin causes the recipients of D.M.D. to die in the late 20s or early 30s. Every time a muscle contracts, without Dystrophin, the muscle begins to tear. This is mainly felt at the heart, the many contractions wearing down and destroying the Heart. Although there has been drugs that can help out with this disease, none prolong life as long as some would hope. However, scientists are working with Stem Cells to see the affect the cells can have on D.M.D.
While testing on rats, Scientist have successfully transported cells from blood vessels of a healthy mouse to one that has D.M.D., and the result is spectacular. From observation and research, the data has pointed out that these tests have actually decreased or prevented wearing down of the heart, which can then lead to a longer life with patients that have D.M.D. Although further investigation is going on the see why this works, It is nevertheless an unremarkable feat that can lead to future solutions for D.M.D.
Relevance:
Last section we learned about the Muscle System; How it works, its main functions and the different parts and pieces that make up the Muscle System. This disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, affects the muscle system of ones body, thus relating the not only the muscle system, but what we have been recently studying.
Have blood transfusions been tested on humans?
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