Mitochondrial DNA depletion in a patient with long survival

Neurology. 1998 Oct;51(4):1190-3. doi: 10.1212/wnl.51.4.1190.

Abstract

We studied a 29-year-old woman with myopathy since childhood with evidence of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion. Muscle biopsy sample showed cytochrome c oxidase (COX)-negative fibers. Biochemistry showed COX deficiency. Southern blot analysis showed 76% depletion of mtDNA as compared with controls. This patient's clinical course suggests that long survival is possible in some patients with mtDNA depletion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Blotting, Southern
  • Cytochrome-c Oxidase Deficiency
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / analysis
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mitochondrial Myopathies / genetics
  • Mitochondrial Myopathies / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Myopathies / mortality
  • Muscle, Skeletal / enzymology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Succinate Dehydrogenase / metabolism
  • Survivors*

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • Succinate Dehydrogenase