Muscle Magnets

The muscular dystrophies (MDs) affect the lives of around 70,000 people in the UK, causing progressive muscle weakening and sometimes early death. These cross-sections of the thighs of patients with limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), which mostly affects the leg and arm muscles, were made using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Bottom right is muscle from a healthy person, while the others are from LGMD sufferers at various stages. As the condition progresses, muscle (dark areas) is replaced by fat (paler areas). Analysing these images revealed which particular muscles are affected and when, and how the disease differs in men and women. MDs are currently incurable, Duchenne being one of the most severe; this information will therefore help doctors assess a patient’s condition, and their reaction to potential treatments. Biopsies and walking checks, which are currently used, are more invasive and effortful, so MRI will also be more convenient for patients.

Written by Esther Redhouse White

Esther Redhouse White

Writer

A recent Biochemistry graduate from York, Esther has worked on bacterial killing proteins and genetic switches in worms. In her spare time she likes visiting museums full of skeletons.

• Image by Kieren G. Hollingsworth and colleagues
• Newcastle University, UK
• Originally published under a Creative Commons Licence (BY 4.0)
• Research published in PLOS One, February 2014