What
is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis
is an inherited disorder that affects many organs in the body,
including the lungs, liver, pancreas, and reproductive tract.
Specific cells in these organs normally
produce mucus and other watery secretions. In cystic fibrosis,
these cells produce secretions that are thicker than normal,
causing disruptions in the body's water balance. This creates
other problems. For example, in the lungs,
thickened secretions trap germs, causing repeated lung infections.
In the pancreas, thickened secretions block the normal flow of
pancreatic juices, making it more difficult for the body to digest
and absorb fats. This can result in
nutritional problems, especially in babies.
For
information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment click here.
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Research News
Featuring Harvard Medical School and Affiliated Hospitals
Discovery
Could Aid Fight Against Cystic Fibrosis
Researchers
have discovered one way that a bacteria
could be surviving in the lungs of infected cystic
fibrosis patients.
Cystic
Fibrosis Gene Linked to Fatty Acid Defects
Discovery could
pave the way for a new treatment.
Researchers
Discover Potential New Approach to Treating Cystic Fibrosis
Researchers
say they have discovered a reversible lipid imbalance that may
be responsible for the common
symptoms of cystic fibrosis.
|
Research Stories
From the Harvard University Gazette
Novel MRI Technology May Shed New Light on Treatment of Asthma,
Cystic Fibrosis, and Emphysema
Noninvasive
and safe technique produces clear and accurate 3-D images of the lungs.
>More
HU Gazette on Cystic Fibrosis
|
Scientific Reports
From HMS Faculty Newsletter Focus
Fatty-acid Imbalance May Boost Inflammation in CF
It now appears that the cystic fibrosis mutant gene may cause disease by altering the balance of another set of primordial molecules, the fatty acids.
Lung Imaging Method Allows Visualization of Airways
Technology will open new venues in research on lung diseases by creating clear images.
>More Research Reports
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Research Matters
