Biochemical Changes in Blood of Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Treated with Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor

INTRODUCTION: In addition to the “gold standard” of therapy—steroids and gene therapy–there are experimental trials using granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The aim of this study was to present the biochemical changes in blood after repeating cycles of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor G-CSF therapy in children with DMD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients, aged 5 to 15 years, with diagnosed DMD confirmed by genetic tests, participated; nine were in wheelchairs, and ten were mobile and independent. Patients had a clinical assessment and laboratory tests to evaluate hematological parameters and biochemistry. G-CSF (5μg/kg/day) was given subcutaneously for five days during five nonconsecutive months over the course of a year. RESULTS: We found a significant elevation of white blood cells, and the level of leucocytes returned to norm after each cycle. No signs of any inflammatory process were found by monitoring C-reactive protein. We did not detect significant changes in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelet levels or coagulation parameters. We found a significant elevation of uric acid, with normalization after finishing each treatment cycle. A significant decrease of the mean value activity of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) of the G-CSF treatment was noted. After each five days of therapy, the level of cholesterol was significantly lowered. Also, glucose concentration significantly decreased after the fourth cycle. CONCLUSIONS: G-SCF decreased the aminotransferases activity, cholesterol level, and glucose level in patients with DMD, which may be important for patients with DMD and metabolic syndrome.