In Early Research, Heart Drugs Show Promise in Fighting Muscular Dystrophy

Follow Drugslib on

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com.

By Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 3, 2024 -- A regularly prescribed class of heart medications might be capable of treating one of the most common forms of muscular dystrophy, a new study in mice suggests.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is caused by abnormal RNA that affects the function of calcium channel receptors, which help convert impulses from nerve cells into chemical signals that guide muscle movement, the researchers explained.

Given that, a type of heart drug called a calcium channel blocker might be able to eliminate the “noise” caused by this abnormal RNA, they reasoned.

These drugs successfully eased DM1 symptoms in lab mice bred to have the genetic problem that causes that form of muscular dystrophy, according to results published Jan. 2 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

“We think that the calcium channel is a new therapeutic target and if we can target it correctly, pharmacologically that it will improve muscle function and health,” the researchers wrote.

People with DM1 suffer from muscle weakness and prolonged muscle tension, which makes it difficult to relax muscles after use, they said in background notes.

Muscle problems caused by the disease affect the eyes, heart and brain, eventually leading to problems walking, swallowing and breathing.

More than two decades ago, co-researcher Dr. Charles Thornton -- a neurologist at the University of Rochester Medical Center -- discovered how a genetic flaw causes DM1.

A genetic “stutter” results in thousands of repetitions of code on a segment of chromosome 19, Thornton’s earlier research found.

In turn, that defect causes an accumulation of the abnormal RNA that interferes with healthy muscle function.

To investigate this cycle and better understand DM1, researchers bred lab mice that had four of the gene defects found in DM1 -- specifically, in genes associated with the calcium and chloride channels.

“Myotonic dystrophy is a really complicated disorder, which you can think of as almost like an aggregate of many diseases,” co-researcher John Lueck, an associate professor with the University of Rochester Medical Center, said in a university news release.

They then tried to treat these mice with calcium channel blockers normally used to treat high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems and migraines.

Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker used to treat blood pressure and chest pains, caused the mice to quickly recover muscle function and appear as healthy as normal lab mice, the researchers reported.

“Our research also suggests that muscle impairment in DM1 is potentially mitigated by common clinically available calcium channel blockers, and that calcium channel modulation is a potential therapeutic strategy,” Lueck said.

However, researchers noted that verapamil shouldn’t be considered for use in humans with DM1, since it can have harmful side effects. Also, research in mice doesn't always pan out in humans.

“Our goal now is to find the appropriate and safe calcium channel blocker that will do the job, and we believe it exists,” the researchers concluded.

Sources

  • University of Rochester Medical Center, news release, Jan. 2, 2023

    • Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

    Source: HealthDay

    Posted : 2024-01-03 22:15

    Read more

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

    The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

    Popular Keywords