Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Modulators: The Impact on Bone Density, Muscle Mass and Strength in Children and Young

Katerina Iordanidou1,2, Nikolaos D Karakousis1, Elpis Hatziagorou2

  • 1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece.

PubMed

Insights

Cystic fibrosis (CF) treatments called CFTR modulators may improve bone density in children. Their effects on muscle mass and strength require further investigation, highlighting the need for more research in CF care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Genetic Disorders
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder caused by CFTR gene mutations.
  • These mutations impair CFTR protein function, leading to multi-organ complications, primarily affecting the lungs.
  • Understanding CF's impact on non-pulmonary aspects is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of CFTR modulators on bone density, muscle mass, and strength in pediatric CF patients.
  • To synthesize current evidence regarding these effects through a narrative review.
  • To identify gaps in knowledge and areas for future research in CF management.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a narrative (non-systematic) review of existing literature.
  • Focused on studies involving children and young adolescents with CF.
  • Analyzed data on the effects of CFTR modulators on bone mineral density, muscle mass, and strength.

Main Results:

  • CFTR modulators show potential for positive influence on bone mineral density in pediatric CF.
  • Evidence regarding the impact of CFTR modulators on muscle mass and strength is variable and requires further study.
  • Current findings suggest a nuanced effect of CFTR modulators on musculoskeletal health.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is necessary to validate the observed effects of CFTR modulators on bone density.
  • Additional studies are needed to clarify the inconsistent findings on muscle mass and strength.
  • Comprehensive assessment of CFTR modulators' long-term impact on overall health in CF patients is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Cystic Fibrosis: Management01:24

Cystic Fibrosis: Management

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder that predominantly affects individuals of Northern European descent, occurring at a rate of 1 in 3500. It is caused by a genetic mutation in a gene on chromosome 7, most commonly the ΔF508 mutation, that codes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. This results in thicker mucus secretions and obstruction pathologies in multiple organs, including the lungs and sinuses.
Sinus disease and chronic...
456
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
687
Bone Disorders01:29

Bone Disorders

Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
5.0K
Hormones and Bone Tissue01:17

Hormones and Bone Tissue

The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
3.6K
Essential Minerals for Bone Health01:31

Essential Minerals for Bone Health

The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
5.9K
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health01:25

Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health

The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
5.0K