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Myotonic Hypertrophy could lead to treatments for muscular dystrophy, cancer and more
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Bodybuilder (Wikimedia Images)
Most of us have, at some point, witnessed the physique of a professional bodybuilder. Participants of the sport often appear well-oiled, tanned, and chiseled down to the last ounce. Competitors grin and flex, displaying their prominent muscle striations. Even when not competing, these barrel-chested powerhouses tend to sport thick necks, wide arms and a solid stature. To achieve such a look, people use various methods, including hard work and performance enhancements. But a rare new genetic illness could bench circles around the traditionally large lifters.
Three-year-old Liam Hoekstra, of Roosevelt Park, Michigan is a relatively normal-looking young boy. Despite his average appearance, he has rare genetic illness called myotonic Hypertrophy, also knows as myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy and muscle hypertrophy syndrome. According to Dr. Jennifer Ashton of the Early Show, the medical community has seen fewer than 100 cases in the last nine years. Little Liam, deemed the “Super Kid,” was more musclular as an infant, but now he can move furniture and do sit-ups faster than some full-grown adults.
This condition is characterized by low body fat and increased muscle size. This is the very goal that many adults seek, thus some may not see the problem with such a condition. But problems could arise. As a developing toddler, Liam doesn’t get hurt the way other children do. His rambunctious lack of inhibition makes it hard for him to learn his limits. What’s more, Liam has to eat as many as six meals a day, just to get enough nutrients. Doctors once believed that myotonic Hypertrophy affected the heart, as the heart is a muscle. Recent studies, however, have proven otherwise.
A mutation of one or both MSTN genes is responsible for myotonic Hypertrophy. The MSTN gene produces a protein called myostatin, which in turn inhibits muscle growth. Doctors have not yet learned of any medical complications resulting from this disorder. As a result, the medical community has not focused on developing treatments for this condition. Instead, medical science can use this new condition to develop drugs that counteract the atrophic effects of Muscular Dystrophy, cancer, AIDS and other such illnesses.
Only further research will shed light on such a new and curious syndrome. It may prove to be a valuable catalyst in the treatment of other diseases. Thanks to myotonic hypertrophy, doctors now know even more about the human body. It is with this knowledge that we can live on to create a healthier tomorrow.
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