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Published on: August 7, 2017
Inflammatory biomarker profile in children with cystic fibrosis: preliminary study
N H Slobodianik1, M S Feliu, P Perris
1Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Bueno Aires, Argentina. nslobo@ffyb.uba.ar
Insights
This study found lower antioxidant capacity and abnormal nutritional markers in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Elevated inflammation markers suggest a need for early biochemical evaluation in CF patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Immunology
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, often leading to nutritional deficiencies and inflammation.
- Early identification of nutritional status and inflammatory markers is crucial for managing CF patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine specific proteins related to inflammation, nutritional status, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in children with CF.
- To compare these markers between CF patients and a healthy reference group.
- To highlight the need for early biochemical evaluation in CF management.
Main Methods:
- Study included 17 nonhospitalized children with CF (3 months-10 years).
- Measured transferrin, transthyretin, ceruloplasmin (Cp), haptoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen using single radial immunodiffusion.
- Assessed Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) via decolorization assay and analyzed data using Student's t test.
Main Results:
- CF patients showed lower transferrin and transthyretin levels, indicating abnormal nutritional status.
- Elevated levels of ceruloplasmin (Cp) and haptoglobin were observed in CF patients.
- A significant percentage of CF patients exceeded desirable limits for fibrinogen and CRP, with lower TAC compared to healthy children.
Conclusions:
- Diminished TAC and increased Cp in CF patients may exacerbate inflammation and impair immune function.
- These preliminary findings underscore the importance of biochemical and functional parameters for early nutritional assessment in CF.
- Optimized nutritional and pharmacological therapies, guided by early evaluation, can improve survival and quality of life for CF patients.
Abstract:
The aim of this preliminary study was to determine specific proteins, related to inflammation process and nutritional status as well as to total antioxidant capacity, in children suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). The study was performed on 17 nonhospitalized children (12 boys and 5 girls) with CF aged 3 months to 10 years, who were assisted at the Nutrition Service from Pedro de Elizalde Hospital. Transferrin, transthyretin, ceruloplasmin (Cp), haptoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen were measured by single radial immunodiffusion techniques. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was determined by a decolorization assay. Statistical analyses were performed by the Student's t test. Transferrin and transthyretin values were lower in CF patients in comparison with data obtained from healthy children (reference group, RG). The decreased transferrin concentration and the tendency towards low plasma transthyretin values suggested an abnormal nutritional status. However, higher Cp and haptoglobin levels were shown in patients than in RG. The fact that 23 and 50% of patients exceeded the desirable values for fibrinogen (<285.0 mg/dl) and CRP (<0.2 mg/dl), respectively, should be highlighted. The TAC (mM; Trolox equivalents) was shown to be lower in the CF group than in RG. The diminished TAC concomitant with an increased plasma Cp concentration would exacerbate the inflammatory status and could explain the depression of the immune system. These preliminary results could explain the need to include biochemical and functional parameters in the early nutritional status evaluation in CF patients in order to use appropriate nutritional and pharmacological therapies and consequently to improve their survival and quality of life.
