News

Newly Identified Defect Adds to Hyperinflammation in CF Lung Cells

A defect in an anti-inflammatory pathway called IL-37-SIGIRR contributes to the hyperinflammation seen in lung epithelial cells in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), a new study suggests. The study shows, for the first time, that a mutated form of the single immunoglobulin interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R)-related molecule (SIGIRR), named delta…

Certain M. abscessus Variants Linked to Serious CF Lung Infections

The clinical outcome of lung infection with Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is associated with genetic differences in the bacterium strains, according to a recent study. The study identified virulence factors related to disease severity, and sheds light on the development of novel and more effective…

Beta-sitosterol May Help With P. aeruginosa Infection in CF

A compound called beta-sitosterol, abundant in plants, eased the burden of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection — a common bacteria infecting the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) — and lessened chronic inflammation in a mouse model. Findings suggest that beta-sitosterol, or BSS, “has the potential to undergo pharmaceutical development…

CF Carriers at Higher Risk of Childhood Asthma: Study

Children who carry certain mutations associated with cystic fibrosis (CF), but do not have the disease — called CF carriers — may be more likely to develop asthma than children who don’t carry a mutation, a California study found. In particular, inheriting one copy of the most common CF-causing…

At Military CF Centers, More Work Needed on Mental Health Care

Most military cystic fibrosis (CF) centers in the U.S. are generally following mental health screening guidelines — but there’s still room for improvement — a study showed. Specifically, the identified areas needing improvement include the standardized use of screening tools for suicidal thoughts, improving healthcare providers’ comfort with all…