Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center have recently made great strides in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) research. DMD is one of the most severe forms of muscular dystrophy, resulting in the eventual degeneration of all voluntary muscles as well as the heart and breathing muscles. Now with the use of two drugs commonly associated with treating cardiovascular disease, there is new hope.

Dr. Subha Raman leads the team of researchers at OSU. Their research focuses on the issue of scarring on the heart, which lessens the heart’s pumping ability. Currently treatment for DMD patients begins after heart damage is detected. Dr. Raman asked, “Is there something we can do to pick it up in its earliest stages and then treat it to hopefully prevent complications?” This led to the discovery that early use of the drugs lisinopril and spironolactone preserved 80% of normal muscle function in lab mice with muscular dystrophy. These findings were published in the American Heart Association journal, Circulation. Success in future clinical trials could mean that patients may never need wheelchairs and could live longer lives.

One such patient is Ryan Ballou of Pittsburgh, PA. The 24-year-old lives with DMD and has been taking these medications for over five years. “I’ve been ahead of the curve,” he said. “I walk longer than most people, and I still have a lot of strength in my arms.” Initially he had some scarring on his heart when he began taking the medicine, but since then no additional scarring has been found. Ryan and his father, Ty Ballou, were so encouraged by the findings that they started a charity called Ballou Skies to help fund the research at OSU. It has made a significant impact, doing in 12 months what would normally take five years with public grants. The Ballous are happy to help, and Ryan in particular is “very happy to know that I am actually having an active part in gaining funds for research.”

Source: http://www.msmediacenter.tv/story.php?id=266&enter=