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Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by the loss of function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein which primarily acts as a chloride channel. CFTR has mainly been studied in epithelial cells although it is also functional and expressed in other cell types including endothelial cells. The present review summarizes current knowledge on the role of the endothelium in CF. More specifically, this review highlights the role of endothelial cells in CF in acting as a semipermeable barrier, as a key regulator of angiogenesis, coagulation, the vascular tone and the inflammatory responses. It could contribute to different aspects of the disease including cardiovascular symptoms, excessive blood vessel formation, pulmonary and portal hypertension and CF-related diabetes. Despite the important role of vascular endothelium in many biological processes, it has largely been under investigated in CF. ispartof: Journal Of Cystic Fibrosis vol:18 issue:6 pages:752-761 ispartof: location:Netherlands status: Published online

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) can be a devastating disease. Disorders in essential fatty acid state are increasingly reported and various supplementation trials have been performed in an attempt to improve outcomes. However, the mechanisms leading to these disturbances remain elusive. We wanted to investigate the role of the diseased CF lung on fatty acid profiles. Methods: We compared fatty acid profiles in patients with CF after lung transplantation (n = 11) to age-matched healthy controls and homozygous F508del patients (n = 22 each). Results: Compared to healthy controls, in patients with CF, there are decreased levels of docosahexaenoic, linoleic and arachidonic acid and increased levels of mead acid. In patients that underwent a lung transplantation, levels of docosahexaenoic, linoleic and arachidonic acid were normal. Mead acid did not decrease significantly. Conclusions: The diseased CFTR deficient lung is a major determinant in the disturbed fatty acid profile in CF. © 2012 European Cystic Fibrosis Society.

The prevalence of CF related liver disease (CFLD) ranges from 26% to 45%. The pathogenesis is allegedly related to small bile duct obstruction leading to focal biliary cirrhosis and cirrhosis. Portal hypertension (PHT) without hepatocellular insufficiency is the main presentation of CFLD. The aim of this study was to establish the pathologic pattern in CFLD patients with severe PHT. Patients and Methods In 2 CF centers, all consecutive patients who underwent liver transplantation were retrospectively analysed. Results Eight patients (7 males; 14–32 y) were analysed. All presented with severe PHT: esophageal varices more than grade 2 (bleeding in 2 patients), splenomegaly 18–30 cm, collaterals or ascites. None had signs of hepatocellular insufficiency. Liver tests were less than 1.5 times elevated. Macroscopically, all explants (mean weight 1.6 kg) were dysmorphic with left atrophy and irregular macronodular aspect. There was no thrombosis of the large veins and large bile ducts were normal. Microscopically, all explants showed septal fibrosis without cirrhosis (F2 or F3 Metavir Score, n = 4 each). Diffuse obliterative portal venopathy with sinusoidal dilatation and regenerative nodular hyperplasia was observed in all, associated with frequent ductopenia in small portal tracts, without cholestasis or inflammation. Biliary plugs with ductular reaction were scarce, medium or large biliary ducts were normal. Conclusion According to histological examination of the native livers, CFLD with PHT is not related to biliary cirrhosis but responds to vascular damages as observed in idiopathic non-cirrhotic PHT. The mechanism leading to vascular lesion in CF is unknown.

The New European guidelines have established the most updated recommendations on nutrition and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) in CF. In the context of MyCyFAPP project - a European study in children with CF aimed at developing specific tools for improvement of self-management - the objective of the current study was to assess nutritional status, daily energy and macronutrient intake, and PERT dosing with reference to these new guidelines.Cross sectional study in paediatric patients with CF from 6 European centres. SD-scores for weight-for-age (WFA), height-for-age (HFA) and body mass index-for-age (BMI) were obtained. Through a specific 4-day food and enzyme-dose record, energy and macronutrients intake and PERT-use (LU/g lipids) were automatically calculated by the MyCyFAPP system. Comparisons were made using linear regression models.The lowest quartiles for BMI and HFA were between 0 and -1SD in all the centres with no significant differences, and 33.5% of the patients had a SD-score0 for all three parameters. The minimum energy intake recommendation was not reached by 40% of the children and mean nutrients intake values were 14%, 51% and 34% of the total energy for protein, carbohydrates and lipids respectively. When assessed per centre, reported PERT doses were in the recommended range in only 13.8% to 46.6% of the patients; from 5.6% up to 82.7% of children were above the recommended doses and 3.3% to 75% were below.Among the 6 centres, a large variability and inconsistency with new guidelines on nutrition and PERT-use was found. Our findings document the lack of a general criterion to adjust PERT and suggest the potential benefit of educational and self-managerial tools to ensure adherence to therapies, both for clinical staff and families. They will be taken into account when developing these new tools during the next stages of MyCyFAPP Project.