In DMD, the fibrosis observed in both skeletal muscle and myocardium is the most often irreversible outcome of a process of degeneration of the muscle fiber.
American researchers have developed a monoclonal antibody directed against the LTBP4 protein which interacts with the growth factor TGFb. Using this antibody have resulted in:
- in vitro, stabilization of lesions of the membrane of isolated muscle fibers;
- decreased loss of muscle strength in mdx mice observed under eccentric exercise conditions;
- a significant decrease in fibrosis, including in the diaphragmatic muscle.
