Bone, Joint & Muscle Health Health Center

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

An X-linked recessive muscle disease caused by an inability to synthesize DYSTROPHIN, which is involved with maintaining the integrity of the sarcolemma. Muscle fibers undergo a process that features degeneration and regeneration. Clinical manifestations include proximal weakness in the first few years of life, pseudohypertrophy, cardiomyopathy (see MYOCARDIAL DISEASES), and an increased incidence of impaired mentation. Becker muscular dystrophy is a closely related condition featuring a later onset of disease (usually adolescence) and a slowly progressive course. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1415)

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Category: Disease or Syndrome

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Source: National Library of Medicine (NLM) MeSH 2007 - See Terms and Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A chronic systemic disease, primarily of the joints, marked by inflammatory changes in the synovial membranes and articular structures, widespread fibrinoid degeneration of the collagen fibers in mesenchymal tissues, and by atrophy and rarefaction of bony structures. Etiology is unknown, but autoimmune mechanisms have been implicated.

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Category: Disease or Syndrome

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Source: National Library of Medicine (NLM) MeSH 2007 - See Terms and Conditions

Osteoporosis

Reduction of bone mass without alteration in the composition of bone, leading to fractures. Primary osteoporosis can be of two major types: postmenopausal osteoporosis (OSTEOPOROSIS, POSTMENOPAUSAL) and age-related or senile osteoporosis.

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Category: Disease or Syndrome

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Source: National Library of Medicine (NLM) MeSH 2007 - See Terms and Conditions