The pathogenesis of experimental model of mitochondrial myopathy induced by germanium dioxide.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of the study was to build up an animal model of mitochondrial myopathy in order to analyse the pathogenesis of the disease.

METHODS:

The skeletal muscles from Wistar rats treated with germanium dioxide for 24 weeks were analysed by histopathologic and electron-microscopic studies. A quantitative analysis was carried out in mitochondrial DNAs of these samples. The biological function of the model was determined.

RESULTS:

An animal model of mitochondrial myopathy was built up, in which oxygen free radicals were increased and mitochondrial DNA copies were decreased contrasted with controls.

CONCLUSION:

It suggested that environmental toxin may play a role in the pathogenesis of mitochondrial myopathy. The increase of oxygen free radicals is an important link causing the disease.

• Authors: X Li, F Gao, Q Chen
• Journal: Chinese medical sciences journal = Chung-kuo i hsueh k'o hsueh tsa chih (Chin Med Sci J) Vol. 16 Issue 3 Pg. 157-60 (Sep 2001) ISSN: 1001-9294 [Print] China
• PMID: 12899328 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• DNA, Mitochondrial
• Reactive Oxygen Species
• Germanium
• germanium oxide

Topics

• Animals
• DNA, Mitochondrial (metabolism)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Germanium
• Male
• Mitochondria, Muscle (metabolism, ultrastructure)
• Mitochondrial Myopathies (chemically induced, metabolism, pathology)
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar
• Reactive Oxygen Species (metabolism)