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Intestinal permeability to [51Cr]EDTA in children with cystic fibrosis
Insights
Children with cystic fibrosis exhibit significantly increased intestinal permeability. This study used chromium-51 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ([51Cr]EDTA) to measure gut barrier function in patients versus controls.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatrics
- Clinical Investigation
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, including the gastrointestinal tract.
- Altered intestinal permeability is a suspected complication in CF, impacting nutrient absorption and overall health.
- Investigating gut barrier function is crucial for understanding CF pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess intestinal permeability in pediatric patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
- To compare the gut barrier function of CF patients with healthy pediatric and adult control groups.
- To determine if increased intestinal permeability is a significant characteristic of cystic fibrosis in children.
Main Methods:
- Utilized chromium-51 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ([51Cr]EDTA) as a non-metabolized probe molecule to assess intestinal permeability.
- Administered [51Cr]EDTA orally to 14 children with cystic fibrosis and control groups (10 healthy adults, 11 healthy children).
- Collected and measured 24-hour urinary excretion of [51Cr]EDTA to quantify the percentage of the oral dose absorbed, reflecting intestinal permeability.
Main Results:
- Cystic fibrosis patients demonstrated significantly higher mean [51Cr]EDTA excretion (13.19% +/- 1.72) compared to control children (2.51% +/- 0.21) and normal adults (2.35% +/- 0.24).
- The observed differences in intestinal permeability between CF patients and both control groups were statistically significant (p < 0.001).
- This indicates a markedly compromised gut barrier in children with cystic fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis exhibit significantly enhanced intestinal permeability.
- The [51Cr]EDTA assay is a reliable method for detecting increased gut permeability in CF.
- These findings underscore the gastrointestinal involvement in cystic fibrosis and may have implications for therapeutic strategies.
Abstract:
Intestinal permeability was investigated in 14 children with cystic fibrosis making use of [51Cr]EDTA as probe molecule. Ten normal young adults and 11 children served as controls. After oral administration of [51Cr]EDTA, 24 h urine was collected. Urinary radioactivity was calculated and results expressed as percentage of oral dose excreted in 24 h urine. Mean and SEM were as follows: 2.51 +/- 0.21, 2.35 +/- 0.24, and 13.19 +/- 1.72 for control children, normal adults, and cystic fibrosis patients, respectively. The permeability differences between cystic fibrosis patients and either control children or control adults are significant (p less than 0.001).