[Source:  Medical News Today]
Approximately 1 in every 3,600 male infants worldwide is affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy – an inherited condition that causes severe muscle weakness. At present, there is no specific treatment for the disease. But new research published in the journal Neurology suggests that certain drugs usually prescribed for erectile dysfunction may be effective.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by a defective gene for dystrophin – a protein that helps maintain healthy muscles. Low levels or absence of dystrophin means the muscles lack nitric oxide – a chemical that signals blood vessels to dilate during exercise so blood flow can increase.

As a result of the way the gene is inherited, the condition primarily affects boys and young men. Onset of the disease usually occurs before the age of 6 years. As well as muscle degeneration, the condition can cause intellectual disability, congestive heart failure or irregular heart rhythm, back and chest deformities and respiratory disorders.

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