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The muscular dystrophies are a group of genetic and hereditary muscle diseases; characterized by progressive skeletal muscle weakness, defects in muscle proteins, and the death of muscle cells and tissue. In some forms of muscular dystrophy, cardiac and smooth muscles are affected. The muscular dystrophies are the most-known hereditary diseases.
Genetic cause
The most common form is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This form is caused by mutations of the gene for the dystrophin protein. The dystrophin gene is the second largest gene in mammals.
The dystrophin gene is located on the X chromosome, thus making DMD a 'sex-linked' disorder. Accordingly, muscular dystrophies are much more common in males, as females have two copies of the X chromosome while males have only one.
More on [ Muscular dystrophy ]
Muscular Dystrophies :: Muscle Diseases
Musculoskeletal Disorders :: Conditions and Diseases
Duchenne Family Support Group - For families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Minimal information online but telephone helpline numbers supplied.
Meta Description: [ The DFSG provides support to families affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrop ]
Facio Scapulo Humeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSH-MD) Support Group - Patients, families and carer run group, supporting those with FSH-MD. Disease information, newsletters, events and message board on-line.
Muscular Dystrophy Campaign - Information about muscular dystrophy. Detailed information about duchenne, becker and many other neuromuscular conditions. Large text version of site available.
Meta Description: [ Welcome to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.
This is the homepage of the site. From here you can reach sections covering news, campaigning, research, care and support, information and resources, events, fundraising and our community pages. ]
Parent Project UK - A charity set up by parents and supporters of boys with Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy that promotes research to find a cure or viable treatments.
Meta Description: [ At 19 our sons will die without treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Parent Project UK is part of an international movement that has been set up by parents and friends of boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) and is dedicated to finding a cure and ... ]
