After completing a muscle biopsy , it showed that a vast number of white blood cells were infiltrating around the small blood vessels and that the membrane attack complexes were weakly distributed throughout the muscle fibres. A genetic analysis test was then performed where DNA was extracted from the skeletal muscle tissue, then the mtDNA was amplified by the long PCR (figure 2). The results showed that the patients fragments were shorter than the control fragment which indicated a deletion (figure 3) in the DNA. There was a deletion of approximately 4977 base pairs.
The patient was then treated orally with CoQ10, vitamin E and prednisone. After 6 months for taking these drugs, he had less difficulty swallowing, speaking and there were no more signs of cell invasion. By around 2013, his bulbar muscle weakness had almost disappeared.
PCR Process
(figure 2)
A. (n.d.). Conventional PCR. Retrieved December 27, 2017, from https://www.anawa.ch/buy/cat-conventional-pcr-3473.html
Deletion in DNA sequence
(figure 3)
(n.d.). Retrieved December 26, 2017, from http://www.sivabio.50webs.com/dam.htm
About CoQ10
CoQ10 or coenzyme Q is essentially a vitamin that is found in every cell in the body. This coenzymes produces energy for your body to help with cell growth and maintenance. However, it's functions don't stop there, it also protects the body from harmful molecules and helps with digestion.