Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a group of autoimmune disorders characterized by muscle inflammation and weakness. Recent studies have utilized multiomics approaches to uncover subtype-specific mechanisms and biomarkers in IIM. One study integrated RNA sequencing, proteomics, and metabolomics from muscle tissues of 203 patients, revealing distinct molecular signatures that correlate with disease prognosis (ref: Xiao doi.org/10.1016/j.ard.2025.08.011/). Another significant contribution is the ERS/EULAR clinical practice guidelines, which provide comprehensive recommendations for managing interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with connective tissue diseases, including IIM. The guidelines highlight the need for further research, particularly in areas where evidence is insufficient, such as the use of pirfenidone in CTD-ILD (ref: Antoniou doi.org/10.1016/j.ard.2025.08.021/). Additionally, the coexistence of IIM and Sjögren's disease (SjD) has been explored, with findings indicating distinct clinical features and treatment responses in patients with both conditions (ref: Konen doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1654576/). The validity of the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) has also been established in both pediatric and adult IIM patients, demonstrating strong correlations with disease characteristics (ref: Austenfeld doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/). Overall, these studies emphasize the complexity of IIM and the necessity for tailored therapeutic strategies.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration due to mutations in the DMD gene. Recent research has highlighted the role of lymphatic dysfunction in the pathogenesis of DMD, suggesting that chronic inflammation exacerbates muscle degeneration (ref: Subramanian doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2505656122/). Furthermore, innovative therapeutic strategies are being explored, such as the overexpression of Jagged-1, which has shown promise in enhancing muscle regeneration in animal models (ref: de Souza Leite doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2506437122/). The study of dynamic tricuspid regurgitation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction has also been linked to DMD, revealing associations between TR severity and patient demographics (ref: Harada doi.org/10.1002/ejhf.70050/). Additionally, the genetic landscape of DMD is being expanded with findings related to adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency, which presents as a secondary mitochondrial disorder (ref: Bordi doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116230/). Collectively, these findings underscore the multifaceted nature of DMD and the ongoing efforts to identify effective treatments and understand the underlying mechanisms.

Research into myopathy mechanisms and biomarkers has advanced significantly, particularly with the development of novel therapeutic agents such as splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides. These agents have shown promise in treating genetic conditions like spinal muscular atrophy and DMD, with ongoing studies focusing on optimizing their druggable properties (ref: Kennett doi.org/10.1002/anie.202511386/). Additionally, the potential of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid as a substrate enhancement treatment for mitochondrial COQ2 deficiency has been explored, highlighting its advantages over traditional CoQ10 supplementation (ref: Distelmaier doi.org/10.1093/brain/). The systematic review of anti-MDA5+ dermatomyositis cases following SARS-CoV-2 infections has revealed an increase in cases and autoantibody titers, suggesting a link between viral infections and autoimmune responses (ref: Lattarulo doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1565803/). Furthermore, a risk prediction model for relapse in anti-synthetase syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease has been developed, identifying key clinical factors that influence disease progression (ref: Matsuda doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/). These studies collectively enhance our understanding of myopathy mechanisms and the biomarkers that may guide future therapeutic interventions.

The clinical management and rehabilitation of myopathies have been the focus of recent studies aimed at improving patient outcomes. A significant investigation into the safety and effectiveness of statins for primary prevention in adults with type 1 diabetes has shown that statin initiation is associated with reduced all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease risk (ref: Blais doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.07.013/). In the context of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, ultrasound assessments of diaphragm involvement have been linked to disease severity, suggesting that respiratory function monitoring is crucial for patient management (ref: Xu doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.70057/). The effectiveness of rehabilitation strategies has also been evaluated, with a controlled study indicating no significant difference between capability care and usual rehabilitation in improving patient outcomes (ref: Pijpers doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0332388/). Additionally, a randomized controlled trial on gastrocnemius functional massage has demonstrated significant improvements in spasticity and gait parameters in stroke patients, indicating the potential for targeted rehabilitation approaches (ref: Dengiz doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0332308/). These findings highlight the importance of tailored rehabilitation strategies in managing myopathies and improving quality of life.

The interplay of genetic and environmental factors in myopathies has been increasingly recognized, with studies focusing on the genetic underpinnings of conditions like distal myopathy. A notable case study identified a heterozygous deletion encompassing the SPTAN1 gene as a cause of childhood-onset distal muscle weakness, emphasizing the role of genetic testing in diagnosis (ref: Van de Vondel doi.org/10.1038/s41431-025-01938-2/). Furthermore, a new algorithm for sampling parameters in structured correlation matrices has been proposed to optimize biomarker combinations for assessing disease progression in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (ref: Kim doi.org/10.1002/sim.70252/). The role of biglycan in alleviating age-related muscle atrophy has also been investigated, revealing its potential to counteract muscle degradation through the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway (ref: Lee doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178286/). Additionally, the effects of zileuton on acute kidney injury in rhabdomyolysis have been explored, highlighting the need for targeted pharmacological interventions in muscle-related conditions (ref: Lee doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178353/). These studies underscore the complexity of myopathies and the importance of understanding both genetic and environmental influences.

Neurophysiological and cognitive aspects of myopathies are gaining attention, particularly in conditions like Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Research has shown that central neurophysiological alterations in dystrophic mdx mice correlate with reduced levels of the endogenous NMDA receptor ligand D-aspartate, suggesting that the absence of dystrophin may impact cognitive functions (ref: Mastrostefano doi.org/10.1111/jnc.70223/). Additionally, structured symptom assessments have been utilized to identify patients with small fiber or autonomic neuropathy in fibromyalgia, revealing that such neuropathies are infrequent in fibromyalgia patients (ref: Bay-Smidt doi.org/10.1111/ene.70349/). The imbalance of excitation and inhibition in spinal motor circuits has been implicated in the motor function impairments seen in spinal muscular atrophy, highlighting the need for further exploration of synaptic mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases (ref: Fletcher doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adt4126/). These findings indicate that understanding the neurophysiological underpinnings of myopathies is crucial for developing comprehensive treatment strategies.

Autoimmune and inflammatory mechanisms play a significant role in various myopathies, with recent studies shedding light on their complexities. In myasthenia gravis (MG), the correlation of C-reactive protein levels with severe fatigue has been highlighted, suggesting that inflammation may contribute to the fatigue experienced by patients (ref: Ruiter doi.org/10.1212/NXI.0000000000200468/). The exploration of entheseal structural damage in spondyloarthritis has unveiled distinct ultrasound phenotypes, linking inflammatory markers and disease duration to specific ultrasound findings (ref: Di Donato doi.org/10.1016/j.semarthrit.2025.152823/). The rise in anti-MDA5+ dermatomyositis cases following SARS-CoV-2 infections has raised questions about the role of viral infections in triggering autoimmune responses, with increased autoantibody titers observed in the general population (ref: Lattarulo doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1565803/). Furthermore, the coexistence of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and Sjögren's disease has been characterized, revealing unique clinical features and treatment responses (ref: Konen doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1654576/). These studies underscore the intricate relationship between autoimmune processes and myopathy pathogenesis.

Exercise and rehabilitation strategies are critical components in the management of myopathies, with recent studies evaluating their effectiveness. A quantitative analysis of aquaporin-4 and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies has provided insights into their correlation with disease relapses, emphasizing the need for monitoring these biomarkers in clinical practice (ref: Nasello doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/). The effectiveness of the capability approach in rehabilitation for persons with neuromuscular diseases has been assessed, revealing no significant differences compared to usual care, suggesting that both approaches may yield similar improvements (ref: Pijpers doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0332388/). Additionally, a randomized controlled trial on gastrocnemius functional massage has demonstrated significant improvements in spasticity and gait parameters in stroke patients, indicating the potential for targeted rehabilitation techniques to enhance functional mobility (ref: Dengiz doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0332308/). Furthermore, the investigation of yolk extract-derived vitellogenin 2 has shown promise in ameliorating muscle atrophy, highlighting the importance of nutritional interventions in muscle health (ref: Li doi.org/10.1039/d4fo06188h/). These findings collectively underscore the importance of integrating exercise and rehabilitation strategies into the comprehensive management of myopathies.