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Myostatin

Myostatin - regulator of muscle growth In 1997, the growth and development factor "myostatin" was described for the first time by scientists at Johns Hopkins University. Targeted mutations (gene changes) in mice, in the sense of switching off this gene, led to a massive increase in the muscle mass of the animals. Shortly afterwards, further research revealed that a disruption of this gene was responsible for the extremely muscular appearance of two cattle breeds (e.g. Belgian Blue Cattle). Myostatin is a protein that belongs to a group of proteins that play a role in the regulation of cell growth (so-called TGF = transforming growth factor proteins). It is produced in the muscle cells and limits their growth. Severe loss of muscle mass, as occurs in patients with HIV infection or after immobilization (immobilization) or after a period of weightlessness, leads to increased formation of myostatin. The differentiation of satellite cells in the skeletal muscles into muscle cells is inhibited by myostatin. In animal experiments, a reduction in myostatin expression was also found as a result of physical training. No acne from the steorides and no big ears from the growth hormones. Simply introduce synthetic genes into the muscle cells with a kind of gene cab and the Olympus is near. To treat muscle atrophy, scientists tested special antibodies or small RNA molecules (small interfering RNA) in mice that prevent the growth-inhibiting effect of myostatin. The mice develop into four-legged muscle packs and the health risks are low, at least in animals. It therefore seems to be a matter of time before athletes also start using gene injections. June 2004 Some time ago, a baby with unusually developed muscles was born at the Charite in Berlin. A genetic test revealed a mutation in both genes of human myostatin, a protein that had been identified as a muscle growth inhibitor in animal experiments. It also triggers excessive growth of muscle tissue in mutant mice. This is reported by Dr. Markus Schülke and his colleagues in the current issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. The mother of the newborn was also tested for the mutation. She was found to have one of the two genetic defects. Interestingly, she was a professional sprinter and came from a family with many strong relatives: Her grandfather, for example, was a construction worker who could lift 330-pound stones. The now 4-year-old boy is physically healthy so far and can now hold 6.6-pound weights with outstretched arms.

Researchers hope that by blocking the gene or using antibodies against myostatin, it will one day be possible to treat muscle weaknesses such as muscular dystrophy. Athletes could also use such drugs to reduce the amount of myostatin in their bodies. Of course, designer babies in which the myostatin gene is switched off would also be conceivable in the future. Nothing is yet known about the side effects of a myostatin blockade.

In addition to the possible predictability of strength development during competitive sports training and the possible influence on strength development in the sense of doping, the knowledge gained so far also provides possible starting points for use in the treatment of muscle diseases. We could help patients who suffer from muscle atrophy for various reasons, such as hereditary muscular dystrophy (Duchenne's disease), which already affects children, or patients in old age or with diseases resulting in muscle atrophy. Attempts are made to partially or completely block myostatin with medication in order to stimulate muscle growth.

Need in sport

Gene doping could lead to the formation of more muscle mass or faster muscle fibers or stimulate the body's own synthesis of hormones such as erythropoietin or other anabolic substances. As a precautionary measure, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has added gene-modifying procedures to its updated list of banned substances. This method is expected to be a major topic at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Staff at the Cologne Competence Center for Preventive Doping Research are already working on a blood test for gene doping. The aim is to be able to recognize changes in the genes from shifts in the protein profile of the plasma. Tissue samples could also provide clues. The combination with a lie detector has also already been considered. This method, which is not without controversy, is already being used by the World Natural Body Building Federation.

It is recommended to follow the instructions of the respective product. Side effects are not yet known.

References

  1. Dr. Jens-Peter Weber, Medical Consultant of the DGM, Myostatin - Regulator of Muscle Growth
  2. "New England Journal of Medicine" ([2004] 350, 38-44)
  3. GINA KOLATA, New York Times online/ A Very Muscular Baby Offers Hope Against Diseases. June 24, 2004
  4. Matthias Bastigkeit, Lecturer in Pharmacology, (August 12, 2004) Doping - higher, further, faster with gene therapy and insulin injections? 2004 Summer Olympics(http://www.medizin.de)