Your baby's increased muscle mass could potentially be due to a genetic condition. Variants in the MSTN gene can cause myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy.
Myostatin and Muscle Growth
- The MSTN gene provides instructions for making a protein called myostatin.
- Myostatin is active in skeletal muscles (muscles used for movement) both before and after birth.
- Myostatin limits muscle growth.
Myostatin-Related Muscle Hypertrophy
- Cause: Mutations (also known as variants) in the MSTN gene.
- Effect: Reduced or non-functional myostatin leading to increased muscle mass.
Therefore, if your baby is unusually muscular, it might be related to a genetic variant affecting myostatin production. It's important to consult with a pediatrician or geneticist for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
