title: Inflammation in muscular dystrophy and the beneficial effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Glucocorticoids are the only drugs available for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), but it is unclear whether their efficacy is dependent on their anti-inflammatory activity.
  
  
  METHODS
  To address this issue, mdx mice were treated daily with methylprednisolone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs: aspirin, ibuprofen, parecoxib).
  
  
  RESULTS
  NSAID treatment was effective in ameliorating muscle morphology and reducing macrophage infiltration and necrosis. The percentage of regenerating myofibers was not modified by the treatments. The drugs were effective in reducing COX-2 expression and inflammatory cytokines, but they did not affect utrophin levels. The effects of the treatments on contractile performance were analyzed. Isometric tension did not differ in treated and untreated muscle, but the resistance to fatigue was decreased by treatment with methylprednisolone and aspirin.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  NSAIDs have a beneficial effect on mdx muscle morphology, pointing to a crucial role of inflammation in the progression of DMD.
authors: DAHFMO Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University, Via A. Scarpa 14-00161 Rome, Italy.
authors: Filippo
authors: F
authors: Serra
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Quarta
authors: Marta
authors: M
authors: Canato
authors: Luana
authors: L
authors: Toniolo
authors: Valeria
authors: V
authors: De Arcangelis
authors: Attilio
authors: A
authors: Trotta
authors: Lucia
authors: L
authors: Spath
authors: Lucia
authors: L
authors: Monaco
authors: Carlo
authors: C
authors: Reggiani
authors: Fabio
authors: F
authors: Naro
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D018450:Disease Progression; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018101:Mice, Inbred mdx; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009136:Muscular Dystrophies / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018836:Inflammation Mediators