September 2003 

Julie Feldman MPH RD, Clinical Dietitian

While a new newsletter has been delayed by recent computer glitches here at Providence, I am happy to provide you with a September CF newsletter.  I certainly hope this is finding all of you feeling well, and energized from a long and beautiful summer.   We are looking forward to attempting another CF Foundation Fundraiser with your help.  Please email me, at Julie.Feldman@Providence-StJohnHealth.org if you think you would like to be involved in a bowling event to be scheduled in early November.  2 years ago, our CF center was able to raise over $3,000.00 at our Bowl For Breath.  We would like to get involved again if there is excitement from our patients.  So let us know what you think.

Pseudomonas is the Secret?

 University of New Mexico Researchers hope to prove that the bacteria we spend so much time trying to fight, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, may provide the key to unlocking a cure for CF.  Researchers are saying that they believe this bacteria is able to colonize the lungs of CF patients so well due to a lack of nitric oxide, a gas that is naturally produced in the lungs of healthy adults.  UNM researchers are hoping to determine how the CF lung produces nitric oxide, and how much is needed to fend of the dangerous bacteria.

Targeted Genetics Corporation (Nasdaq: TGEN) is a name you may want to keep your eye on.  Not only for your health, but for your pocketbook.  They are collaborating the CF Foundation in a phase IIb clinical trial  of tgAAVcF.  This new therapy attempts to deliver functional copies of the CFTR gene into the lungs of CF patients.  This gene therapy study has advanced further than any other genetic therapy to date and may change the face of CF treatment in the near future.

Fatty Imbalances

While we are always harping on our CF patients regarding their body weight, the fatty imbalance we are talking about here is something totally different.  Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical center in Boston are working towards a novel treatment and test for CF.  It has been long known, that there is a fatty acid imbalance in CF patients, but the significance of which has never been understood.  These researchers have now found that specifically in the organs affected by CF including the lungs, pancreas and intestines, that there are decreased levels of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid and increased levels of arachidonic acid, and omega-6 fatty acid.  Researchers conducted studies on mice  and found that correcting this lipid imbalance in affected organs reversed the pathology of CF.  Both fatty acids play a role in inflammation, and we are hopeful that this new research will provide real answers in the coming months.

New Genetic Test

It is now possible that in 15 seconds, the 25 most common mutations that cause CF could be identified in a simple blood test.  This new test has arisen in response the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology's recommendations that all women be tested for a CF mutation when considering conception.  This will allow thousands of tests to be performed each week and encourage more people to get tested.

GOT DHA?

As research mounts regarding the general lack of DHA in CF patients, an omega-3 fatty acid that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in all people, it may not be a bad idea to increase the amount of DHA in your diet.  Some examples of foods high in omega-3 fats include olive oil, canola oil, walnuts, olives, green leafy veggies, avocado, fish, flax seed and eggs enriched with omega 3's.   Make sure to get at least one serving of a food high in Omega-3's each day.  Many CF patients are using a book called the Omega Diet Book you may find to be a helpful resource.