Caused due to mutations in the CFTR and characterized by lung, pancreas, liver and intestinal dysfunction, cystic fibrosis is a serious condition.
Approximately 15% of babies with CF are born with an obstruction of the small intestine known as meconium ileus, frequently the first sign of CF. Unlike in humans, meconium ileus occurs in 100% of newborn CF pigs.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited or genetic disease involving the secretary glands, such as the mucus and sweat glands.
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In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Michael Welsh and colleagues at the University of Iowa demonstrate that transgenic expression of normal CFTR in the intestine of CF pigs alleviated meconium ileus.
Over time, the pigs still exhibited other manifestations of CF, including liver and lung disease, reduced weight gain, and pancreatic destruction. These findings provide insight into the pathophysiology of CF and indicate that tissue-specific, partial gene replacement can ameliorate intestinal symptoms of CF.
Source: Eurekalert
Source: Eurekalert
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