Muscle Regeneration Improvements
Muscular Atrophy is when muscles waste away usually because of disuse or malnourishment. As myofibrils are lost, the muscle fibers shrink in size and capability. Those with disuse atrophy experience a decrease in nerve impulses traveling to their muscles and also significantly less strength. However, disuse atrophy is reversible with proper diet and exercise. Denervation atrophy occurs when the connection from the nerves to the muscles is cut or disrupted. With this disorder, the muscle, without connection to the nerves, shrinks to one-fourth of its original size within 6 months to 2 years. Denervation atrophy is not a reversible disorder because the muscle fibers are replaced with fibrous connective tissue.
However, there is some recent research that has the potential to cure or reverse many muscular disorders and diseases. Researchers believe that stem cells are the answer. In the past, the insertion of stem cells into those with muscular disorders has not had a high success rate. Now, researchers are coupling the use of stem cells with tissue engineering. This two-pronged process has been tested and results were seen. The muscle cells began to regenerate and rebuild muscle cells in the body of one who has muscular dystrophy.
This stem cell research and application can be used to change the lives of those who have been otherwise forced to live with muscular diseases and disorders. Further testing and reviews are needed of course. This revolutionary two-pronged idea has the potential to get rid of muscle deficiency altogether. With more time and further research, perhaps more diseases could be treated or cured with this stem cell insertion and tissue engineering team. It could free patients from bed, wheelchairs, and walkers! It could possibly even lead to other tissue regenerations such as organ and limbs.
Sources:
Tortora, Gerard J. Bryan Derrickson. A&P; principles of anatomy & physiology 13th edition. John Wiley & Sons, inc. 2011. Chapter 10.2. Skeletal Muscle Tissue. Page 331.
BioMed Central Limited. “From degeneration to regeneration: Advances in skeletal muscle engineering.” ScienceDaily, 26 Nov. 2012. Web. 1 Nov. 2013.