MyoD mRNA expression in skeletal muscle of patients with myotonic dystrophy
Zhao, X.-P.; Pu, C.-Q.; Duan, F.; Liu, J.-X.; Mao, Y.-L.; Luo, P.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 89(7): 466-468
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0376-2491 PMID: 19567095 Document Number: 633808
To explore the mRNA expression of MyoD gene in the skeletal muscles of myotonic dystrophy (MD) patients. Muscle biopsy specimens were obtained from the biceps muscles of arm of 4 MD patients and 4 healthy controls. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the mRNA expression of MyoD in the specimens. The mRNA expression index of MyoD of the MD patients was (0.267 +/- 0.114), significantly lower than that of the healthy controls [(0.788 +/- 0.136), P = 0.001]. Down-regulated mRNA expression of MyoD gene is involved in the mechanism of DM.