Abstract
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is known to be heterogeneous group of myopathies, sharing somewhat similar clinical symptoms and manifest comparable myopathic changes. However, regardless of clearly manifested signs, well known documented symptoms and several invasive and non-invasive (CT, MRI scans) diagnostic techniques, comprehensible diagnoses of MDs remains inconclusive. There are several enzymes that are known to provide information regarding muscle damage such as Creatine Kinase (CK), Aldolase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and even metabolic parameter such as lactate. Therefore present study was undertaken to provide base-line data regarding serum enzymes variations in few types of MDs in order to suggest their diagnostic efficacy and probability of routine usage as serum markers of MDs. A total of 31 patients (Males = 19, females 12) diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker’s muscular dystrophy, Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, limb girdle muscular dystrophy, Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy were selected during the study period of January 2014 to January 2016. Blood samples were analyzed in blood samples collected in clot-activated tubes, centrifuged at 5000 rpm, serum separated and stored at -20oC until processed. Biochemical enzymes CK, AST, ALT, LDH and ALP were determined in serum by prescribed methods. All enzymes manifested elevated levels in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Becker’s muscular dystrophy, whereas only CK and LDH manifested elevating trend as compared to ALT, AST and ALP in Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy and limb girdle muscular dystrophy. Nonetheless, capricious pattern of variations in serum enzyme levels suggested apparent alterations due to muscular disease-dependent activity. In conclusion, alteration pattern of serum enzymes, assessed in various types of MDs, may provide supportive inference for the differential diagnosis of designated MD.
