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Doxycycline ameliorates the dystrophic phenotype of skeletal and cardiac muscles in mdx mice
Author(s) -
Pereira Juliano Alves,
Taniguti Ana Paula Tiemi,
Matsumura Cíntia,
Marques Maria Julia,
Neto Humberto Santo
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.23331
Subject(s) - doxycycline , medicine , skeletal muscle , creatine kinase , forelimb , muscular dystrophy , cardiac muscle , mdx mouse , grip strength , inflammation , fibrosis , cardiac function curve , pathology , endocrinology , cardiology , anatomy , heart failure , physiology , dystrophin , biology , antibiotics , microbiology and biotechnology
We examined whether doxycycline, an antibiotic member of the tetracycline family, improves the histopathology and muscle function in mdx mice, the experimental model of DMD. Methods: Doxycycline was administered for 36 days (starting on postnatal day 0) and for 9 months (starting at 8 months of age) in drinking water. Histopathological, biochemical (creatine kinase), and functional (forelimb muscle grip strength) parameters were evaluated in limb, diaphragm, and cardiac muscle. Results: Doxycycline significantly minimized the dystrophic phenotype of skeletal and cardiac muscles and improved forelimb muscle strength. The drug protected muscle fibers against myonecrosis and reduced inflammation. Furthermore, it slowed the progression of myocardial fibrosis. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that doxycycline may be a potential therapeutic agent for DMD. Muscle Nerve 46: 400–406, 2012