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Published on: December 8, 2014
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Changes in fecal microbiota with CFTR modulator therapy: A pilot study
C E Pope1, A T Vo1, H S Hayden1
1University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Summary
CFTR modulator therapies showed trends toward improved gut health in cystic fibrosis patients with pancreatic insufficiency. Lumacaftor/ivacaftor treatment in PI-CF patients suggested reduced malabsorption and a healthier gut microbiome.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) with pancreatic insufficiency (PI) is linked to fecal dysbiosis.
- Dysbiosis drivers include antibiotics, diet, and CF-related GI dysfunction like malabsorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if CFTR modulator therapies alter fecal malabsorption markers and microbiome composition in CF patients.
- To assess changes in pancreatic sufficient (PS) and pancreatic insufficient (PI) CF cohorts.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study analyzing fecal samples from CF patients initiating ivacaftor (PS cohort) or lumacaftor/ivacaftor (PI cohort).
- Measured fecal fat content and analyzed microbiome composition.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant changes were observed in either cohort.
- Trends in the PI cohort showed decreased fecal fat and a microbiome shift towards that of non-PI individuals with lumacaftor/ivacaftor.
Conclusions:
- Findings support a model where CF-induced PI and malabsorption drive fecal dysbiosis.
- Larger studies are needed to validate these trends with highly effective CFTR modulators.
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