title: Motor unit loss and weakness in association with diabetic neuropathy in humans.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Diabetes mellitus can be associated with peripheral neuropathy which may affect numbers of functioning motor units (MUs) of limb muscles. Direct quantitative assessment of MU numbers and muscle strength have not been performed in humans. We compared the estimated number of MUs of individuals with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) versus controls.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with signs/symptoms of DPN were studied using decomposition-enhanced quantitative electromyography of the tibialis anterior (TA). Motor unit number estimates were derived from this analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Dorsiflexion strength was ∼60% less in DPN than controls (P < 0.05). Additionally, the estimated number of functioning TA MUs was ∼60% fewer in patients with DM (∼46) versus controls (∼111) (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data directly measure MU loss associated with DPN in a proximal muscle in humans. It remains to be determined whether quantifying MU loss has clinical utility in monitoring the progression or management of DPN.
authors: School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6G 1H1, Canada. mallen9@uwo.ca
authors: Matti D
authors: MD
authors: Allen
authors: In Ho
authors: IH
authors: Choi
authors: Kurt
authors: K
authors: Kimpinski
authors: Timothy J
authors: TJ
authors: Doherty
authors: Charles L
authors: CL
authors: Rice
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D000368:Aged; D016923:Cell Death; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology*; D004576:Electromyography; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology*; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: MUNE; diabetic neuropathy; electromyography; isometric strength; motor neuron; motor unit number estimation