Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026

Forskolin-induced Swelling in Intestinal Organoids: An In Vitro Assay for Assessing Drug Response in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Published on: February 11, 2017
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.
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.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystemic and genetic disorder. Mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene impair the function of the CFTR protein, leading to various complications in multiple organs, mainly the lungs. Methods: In this article, we have tried to investigate the potential impact of CFTR modulators on bone density, muscle mass, and strength in children and young adolescents with CF by using the existing literature and conducting a narrative (non-systematic) review. Results: It has been demonstrated that CFTR modulators may positively influence bone mineral density. On the other hand, the impact of CFTR modulators on muscle mass and strength seems to vary among studies. Conclusions: Besides the current literature, further studies are needed to validate the existing claims.
More Related Videos
05:56Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis
Published on: August 29, 2025
08:00Generation of Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Spheroids for Individualized Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Study
Published on: April 11, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Cystic Fibrosis: Management
Sinus disease and chronic...
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
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,...
Bone Disorders
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...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
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...
Essential Minerals for 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...
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
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...