Role of ATP in Muscles in Polymyositis

Polymyositis is a relatively rare condition that affects the connective tissues of the muscles. It especially attacks the skeletal muscles of the body that control movement. Adenosine triphosphate, better known as ATP, is a molecule that carries energy to the muscles.

Polymyositis

• The cause of polymyositis is not currently known, although it may be linked to a viral infection of the bones or to an autoimmune reaction. It is generally diagnosed in adults ages 50 to 70 or in children 5 to 15. It occurs in African-Americans more commonly than in Caucasians, and it affects women twice as often as men. Approximately 1 in 100,000 people are diagnosed with polymyositis each year.

Symptoms

• If you have difficulty swallowing or have the sensation that there is food caught in your throat, muscle pain or weakness especially in the shoulders and hips, combined with shortness of breath, you may have polymyositis. If these symptoms persist more than a week, you should contact your doctor.

What Is ATP and What Does It Do?

• ATP is known as energy currency for the cell. ATP is a nanomachine that works in cells to move energy and perform such activities as contracting muscles, generating electricity in the nerves (it also lights up the tails of fireflies) and helping to build more complex molecules. It transports and releases energy in cells through a chemical reaction. ATP cells are created using sugars in the body.

ATP Involvement

• It has not been conclusively proven that ATP in balance is a direct factor in polymyositis. It is hypothesized that either a lack or an excess of ATP cells could contribute to uncontrolled muscle movement.

Research

• Polymyositis remains a mystery on some levels. There is extensive research going on, including looking at ATP involvement. While researchers are confident that they will find a solution, no one knows when that might happen.