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Cystic Fibrosis Research Paper

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Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis (CF), is an autosomal recessive disorder [figure 1.], caused by a mutation in two genes on chromosome 7 – the genes responsible for the way water and salts pass in and out of the cells in the body. CF affects the secretion and reabsorption of chloride ions, producing a much thicker than normal layer of mucus (in the lungs, pancreas and liver primarily) that is ideal for bacteria and infection to flourish. The faulty gene may fail to produce the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein or may produce the protein however this protein is faulty is such a way that it does not regulate chloride secretion and reabsorption properly or at all. Currently there are a wide array of …show more content…

The mechanism of cystic fibrosis; simply put is the physical blockage of chloride ions as a result of a defective gene located in the long arm of chromosome 7 at region q31-q32 [figure 2.]. This gene is responsible the exocrine gland function involving multiple organ systems, primarily the respiratory system, gastrointestinal (GI) tract and reproductive system. With the faulty CFTR gene, the epithelial cells in the body cannot channel chloride ions across the membrane [figure 3.] and affecting the cells ability to properly regulate sodium and water, as they are closely related. The water is needed to produce a healthy, thin layer of mucus that protects against infection and keeps the membrane moist. This mucus builds up in the lungs, pancreas and liver mostly, creating harsh breathing conditions for the patient and a lack of digestive enzymes and bile for breaking down nutrients and in some cases lower than normal insulin …show more content…

With regards to the respiratory system, CF patients are required to wear a chest wall oscillator once daily for 30 minutes to mechanically agitate the mucus build up that they would otherwise not be cough up. On top of the “vest” treatment, they also must take anti-inflammatories and antibiotics regularly to prevent infection and inflammation. As for the GI tract, no mechanical treatment is available, so patients must ingest digestive enzyme supplements that the pancreas cannot deliver naturally. In some cases patients develop CF related diabetes, as the pancreas is also responsible for providing the body with insulin to regulate blood sugar concentrations. On top of these treatments, people with CF must boost the amount of calories and salts in their diets to compensate for the malnourishment and for the amount of salt released by the patients

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