Evaluation of cardiac tissue in a Duchenne model

• Grant number: 18/10397-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2018
• End date: October 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Renata Kelly da Palma
• Grantee: Camilla Cristiane de Carvalho
• Host Institution: Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE). Campus Vergueiro. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most severe form of muscular dystrophy, caused by mutations in the gene responsible for dystrophin production, but it has a difficult diagnosis, with no cure and few treatments. The high mortality rate is caused by myocardial fibrosis. Multiple treatment strategies are under investigation and have been presented as promises for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Among them ursolic acid (AU) has been used as treatment, since its consumption optimizes the increase of skeletal muscle mass. PURPOSE: To evaluate cardiac tissue in an experimental model mdx supplemented with Ursolic Acid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten mdx mice will be used, divided into two groups: physiological solution (n = 5) and group treated AU (n = 5). Hematoxylin-Eosin staining (H & E) will be used for the histopathological analysis of the muscles, in the identification of the collagen fibers will be used Massom's Tricromo, in addition to Scanning Electron Microscopy (MEV) analysis.