Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Awards Iowa State University $200,000 Grant

HACKENSACK, N.J., Sept. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), a nonprofit organization leading the fight to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), announced today plans to award Joshua Selsby, PhD of Iowa State University with a $200,000 grant to continue the study of the effects of quercetin-based therapy on dystrophic muscle.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in every 5,000 live male births. Almost all Duchenne patients develop heart problems with many using lisinopril, a known cardioprotector for dystrophic heart muscle. Dr. Selsby is exploring the potential benefit of combining lisinopril with quercetin to see if the two compounds in combination would be more effective than either alone. Quercetin impacts muscle, including heart muscle, via a different pathway than lisinopril. This grant will support a study to see if the two compounds together could achieve synergistic effects.

"Addressing cardiac issues in Duchenne, as well as the potential of combined therapies, continue to be priorities of PPMD. Dr. Selsby and his team at Iowa State University are exploring the potential of enhancing supplements already in use by patients in our community and we are excited by the early results. PPMD believes it will take a combination of therapies to end Duchenne and we applaud Dr. Selsby's innovative approach," said Abby Bronson, Senior Vice President of Research Strategy for PPMD.

Dr. Selsby will treat dystrophic mice with quercetin alone, lisinopril alone, and a combination of the two and follow the mice for 12 months.  After 12 months, he will compare the effects on skeletal muscle, cardiac, and respiratory function of the individual agents and in combination.

"Duchenne muscular dystrophy is truly a multifaceted disease that will likely require a cocktail approach to mitigate its severity," said Selsby. "This support from PPMD will allow us a unique opportunity to compare the individual and combined effects of two relatively common compounds taken by Duchenne patients. PPMD's support for research is important in helping us explore compounds with the potential for immediate impacts and application to patients suffering from Duchenne."

It is expected that by giving quercetin in combination with lisinopril, respiratory and cardiac function will be improved as well as in vitro muscle function and histological measures of injury in heart and skeletal muscle. Given previous findings, it is anticipated that all treatments will provide some degree of protection to the myocardium, but this project hopes to demonstrate that by using both together, there is an even greater effect on heart.

To learn more about PPMD's extensive research portfolio, please visit ParentProjectMD.org.

About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne is a fatal genetic disorder that slowly robs people of their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) is the largest most comprehensive nonprofit organization in the United States focused on finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy—our mission is to end Duchenne.

We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of people affected by Duchenne and in research that will benefit future generations. We advocate in Washington, DC, and have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. We demand optimal care, and we strengthen, unite and educate the global Duchenne community.

Everything we do—and everything we have done since our founding in 1994—helps people with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until every person has a treatment to end Duchenne. Go to www.ParentProjectMD.org for more information or to learn how you can support our efforts and help families affected by Duchenne. Follow PPMD on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100119/DC39975LOGO

SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Related Links

http://www.parentprojectmd.org