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The bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which settle in the lungs of most cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, destroy the lungs by perpetuating the inflammation that aims to control invading microbes, according to a study. This contra-intuitive finding demonstrates the power of the mechanisms bacteria use to gain a survival advantage. It also…

In a small randomized clinical trial, researchers at Karolinska Institute in Sweden showed that vitamin D supplements may improve lung function in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. A daily intake of high levels of vitamin D are required, however, for the effects to be noticed. The study, “Clinical…

People with more severe cystic fibrosis-causing gene mutations tend to have poorer mental health as they age, an effect mediated entirely by their worsening lung health, according to a recent analysis. While exercise was seen to improve the mental health of these patients, it was effective only if it improved…

A recent study reported experiences and perceptions among parents whose children have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) or sickle cell disease (SCD) via the newborn screening (NBS) program in the United Kingdom. Not surprisingly, the results showed that a positive NBS result may have a profound psychosocial impact on parents,…

Researchers may have come one step closer to more effective treatments against Pseudomonas aeruginosa growing in layers known as harmful biofilms. A compound found in soil bacteria prevented the bacteria from forming biofilms, which is a serious health threat to patients with cystic fibrosis. The findings, published in the journal…

Under a research contract award granted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics (CFFT), Matinas BioPharma and the Colorado State University (CSU) will jointly conduct preclinical studies assessing the efficacy of MAT2501, a potential oral antibiotic, in treating nontuberculous mycobacterium infection (NTM) in a cystic fibrosis (CF) lung model.

Measuring antibodies in the blood and administering lung-function tests, either alone or in combination, significantly increase health-care specialists’ ability to detect the serious bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). The study, “Assessment of serology and spirometry and the combination of both to complement microbiological isolation…

Hyperglycemia (high glucose/sugar levels) and infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria can acidify the airway surface liquid in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), especially in those with diabetes as well, contributing to disease pathogenesis, researchers report. Their study, “Hyperglycaemia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa acidify cystic fibrosis airway surface liquid by elevating epithelial monocarboxylate…

Scientists have identified the three-dimensional structure of the protein responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF), a development that will help them understand how mutations of the protein lead to the disease. They also found an area in the protein where many disease-causing mutations are located, and a region within that area…

Researchers at the University of Limerick, in Ireland, have developed a disposable percussion device, called SoloPEP, that works to remove mucus from the airways of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) so as to lessen their likelihood of infections, leading  to fewer doctor’s appointments, less antibiotic use, and shorter hospital stays. “SoloPEP…