Infection-associated decrease of serum creatine kinase levels in Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• Rare complications of autoimmune/autoinflammatory diseases can cause decreased serum creatine kinase (CK) in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies.
• Investigated the impact of systemic inflammation on serum CK levels in Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD).

Observation:

• Reviewed charts of three FCMD subjects, identifying 30 infectious events.
• Observed that elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels correlated with decreased CK levels in 19 instances.
• One subject's CK levels decreased on six occasions after receiving prednisolone for asthma.

Findings:

• Systemic inflammation, indicated by elevated CRP, is associated with reduced serum CK levels in FCMD patients.
• Corticosteroid treatment (prednisolone) also correlated with decreased CK levels, suggesting an inflammatory pathway influence.

Implications:

• Inflammation-related molecules, beyond cortisol, may protect muscle cells in FCMD during febrile infections.
• Corticosteroids show potential as a therapeutic agent for managing muscular symptoms in Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy.