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Motor neuron involvement in a patient with long-term corticosteroid administration
Takao Mitsui1, Yoshifumi Umaki, Masakazu Nagasawa
1First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Tokushima, Kuramoto-3. Tokushima.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|October 2, 2003
Summary
Long-term corticosteroid use in asthma may cause muscle atrophy and motor neuron issues, potentially mimicking mitochondrial disease. Coenzyme Q10 may help mitigate exercise-induced lactate buildup.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Muscle Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Corticosteroid therapy is common for asthma.
- Long-term use can have side effects.
- Muscle atrophy is a potential concern.
Observation:
- A long-term asthmatic patient on corticosteroids developed progressive limb and tongue muscle atrophy.
- Exaggerated deep tendon reflexes were noted.
- Muscle biopsy revealed neurogenic atrophy and corticosteroid myopathy.
Findings:
- Elevated 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.
- Significant serum lactate increase during aerobic exercise.
- Lactate elevation was reduced by coenzyme Q10 administration.
Implications:
- Long-term corticosteroid treatment may induce neurogenic muscle atrophy and motor neuron dysfunction.
- The findings suggest a potential link between corticosteroid myopathy and mitochondrial disease-like symptoms.
- Coenzyme Q10 may offer therapeutic benefits for exercise intolerance in affected patients.