Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a protein that functions as a channel through cell membranes, which moves chloride ions into and out of cells. The movement of chloride ions is important in maintaining water and salt balance and also aids in the production of mucus by regulating the movement of water into and out of tissues. Mutations of this protein can drastically change the structure and function of the chloride ion channels, which can lead to cystic fibrosis and digestive problems as well as congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). Cystic fibrosis is a disease that causes damage to many of the body’s organs due to an accumulation of very thick and viscous mucus. This unusually thick mucus can cause breathing problems as well as bacterial infections that can result in the development of scar tissue and cysts in the lungs. Many people with cystic fibrosis also suffer from digestive problems due to the blockage of the pancreatic ducts with mucus. The blockage of these ducts significantly decreases the amount of insulin that is produced b...
Membranes are involved in Cystic Fibrosis when it comes to the genes that are prone to the disease. In a regular functioning body, the CFTR gene helps make the channel that transports charged chloride ions into and out of cell membranes. In a body with cystic fibrosis, the chloride channels don’t function properly, and do not allow chloride ions into and out of the cell membranes, causing the thick mucus (as mentioned earlier) to be produced. The concentration gradients are involved when it comes to moving these molecules and ions across the cell membranes with passive and active transport. Passive transport substances move down concentration gradients while active transport substances move against their concentration gradients (keep in mind this is in a healthy functioning body). With cystic fibrosis, there is a defect in the transport protein, which does not move through the concentration gradient
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease of the secretory glands that affects the respiratory and digestive system. It mainly effects the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses, and reproductive organs. Cystic fibrosis effects the cells that produce sweat, mucus, and digestive fluids. Mucus becomes thick and sticky causing build-up in the lungs and blocking airways; making it easier for bacteria to develop. This prompts repeated lung infections and can cause severe lung damage after some time. The thick mucus can also block ducts in the pancreas. Therefore, digestive enzymes can't reach the small intestine. Without the digestive compounds used to break down food, the intestines can't completely absorb vital supplements. CF also causes sweat to become salty. When patients with cystic fibrosis sweat, a large amount of salt is secreted, which can agitate the equalization of minerals in the blood and cause numerous health issues.
In the Shadow of Illness, the book describes different experiences of families who have or had children with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is an inherited disease that is passed on from the mother or father who is a carrier, but doesn’t have the condition. Doctors have figured that in this scenario, the parents are likely to have a child with CF. Individuals with CF have to take Cotazymes to help the pancreas digest food. If the person does not take these enzymes, the food goes straight through them as diarrhea. Also, the person’s lungs are affected by a thick mucus that must be removed or thinned before it clogs. Doctors recommend the patient to perform daily breathing exercises that prevent the mucus from thickening; for example, swimming
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a very common, potentially life threatening condition. The disease is caused by inheritance, and affects the exocrine glands of the patient. Cystic fibrosis is found primarily among Caucasians and those of European descent. Those diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis battle daily to perform simple tasks, such as breathing, as the mucus in their bodies thickens immensely. This mucus will potentially accumulate in the patient’s vital organs, such as the lungs, pancreas, and intestines. One can determine if he/she has cystic fibrosis by analyzing certain symptoms. Cystic Fibrosis can be diagnosed according to the symptoms the patient shows, and can be treated through specific types of treatments, such as gene therapy.
Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disease characterized by the buildup of thick, sticky mucous that can cause severe damage to the body’s organs. Mucous is usually a slippery substance that lubricates and protects the linings of the airway, digestive system, reproductive system and other organs and tissue. Problems with digestion can lead to diarrhea, malnutrition, poor growth, and weight-loss. Due to the abnormally thick mucous it can can clog airways, leading to breathing problems and bacterial infections in the lungs. Bacterial infections can lead to coughing, wheezing and inflammation. Overtime these infections can lead to permanent damage in the lungs including the formation of scar tissue, known as fibrosis and cysts in the lungs (Genetics Home Reference, 2013). The symptoms and signs of this disease vary but mostly include progressive damage to the respiratory system and chronic digestive system problems. An individuals’ lungs who are infected by cystic fibrosis have bacteria from an early stage. This bacteria can spread to the small airways, leading to the formation of bacterial micro-environments known as biofilms. Biofilms are difficult for antibodies to penetrate, therefore the bacteria repeatedly damage the lung and gradually remodel the airways, resulting in difficultly to eradicate the infection (Welsh, 1995). Cystic fibrosis patients may even have their airways chronically colonized be filamentous fungi and/or yeasts. Most men with cystic fibrosis have congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), a condition in which the tubes that carry sperm are blocked by mucous and do not develop properly. As well, women may experience complications in pregnancy. Either the c...
First generation college students are students who comprise a distinct minority within most institutions of higher learning. These groups of students are the first generation of students in their family lineage to attend a college or university (Allwood, 1966). Due to the lack of family guidance in navigating through the college experience, first generation students face an array of obstacles upon entering the realm of higher education. These students are less likely to obtain their bachelor degree due to finance, family support and retention, all which ultimately limit their college experience. Not only do these students experience issues migrating through high school into college, they also lack the necessary resources some students need to achieve higher standards. For instance financial assistance, mentorship, and other motivating factors that can help a student grow into a professional.
“Cystic Fibrosis in Adults: From Researcher to Practitioner” written by Gregory P. Marelich and Carroll E. Cross discusses the in depth details of cystic fibrosis. Gregory Marelich is a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and has certifications in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, and critical care medicine. Carroll Cross is a Doctor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). She is certified in pulmonary disease and internal medicine. Both authors have experience working in multiple facilities in California and have a sufficient amount of knowledge to write articles pertaining to pulmonary or medical conditions. Throughout the article they exhibit their knowledge and understanding for the lung disease cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that affects all exocrine glands and leads to dysfunction in their secretion. These diseases, mainly affect the Caucasian population. Early in the development of the disease, the pancreas of the patient with cystic fibrosis plugs with secretion. As the disease progresses, the lung become involved and starting secreting a thick and viscous mucus that plug the airway and leads to airway obstruction and chronic infection in cystic fibrosis patients. As a result, there are different respiratory complication with
One of the most chronic lung diseases which is becoming more and more apparent in typical young children around the world, though mostly Europe, and is somewhat apparent in adults is the genetic disease, Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The name itself comes from the genetically mutated protein that is known as Cystic Fibrosis trans-membrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The disease was first introduced and thoroughly explained by Dr. Dorothy Andersen in 1938. She brilliantly conveyed the negatives of the disease and explained how the disease works. This disease may not seem intimidating but it can suddenly cause a shortness of breath and can be a life threatening disease in a short period of time. Understanding the disease more and more and having more knowledge about can definitely help you, especially if you are subjective to it.
The gene is found on the seventh chromosome in humans and contains 27 DNA sequences encoding 1,480 amino acids (Genetics). They found that the genetic change of this gene occurs through various mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis transmembrance conductance regulator or CTFR gene. Today 1,200 mutations are so far known. However, 70% of cystic fibrosis cases are caused by a single mutation, this mutation causes a deletion an amino acid at position 508 in the CTFR gene (Genetics). Once deleted the CTFR protein folds improperly and breaks down shortly after being made. Ultimately, every mutation affects the genes normal function as a channel protein. The CTFR gene crosses the membrane of many cell types, which is why the disease is referred to as a multisystem condition (Cystic). These cells are in charge of producing sweat, saliva, and tears. Its target is chloride ions whose movement in and out of the cell regulates the concentration of water in the tissue (Cystic). The movement of water is so crucial because it is responsible for keeping the mucus in our bodies thin and freely moving. So when mutations occur to this channel protein the flow of chloride ions is disrupted ultimately leading to the build up of thick damaging mucus associated with the disease
About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year and over 70,000 people are already diagnosed worldwide. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs’ ability to secrete mucus properly. It’s gene and protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick and sticky mucus (CFF). Mucus is designed to lubricate the lungs, but the lungs of a patient with cystic fibrosis are prone to infection because of the thick mucus that traps bacteria and foreign materials. Instead of being expelled, the materials stay in the lungs and cause infections. The white blood cells die and create an even thicker substance. The mucus in the sinus cavities can also create upper respiratory infections and a nasally
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that the affects the exocrine glands. CF is located on chromosome 7 and is made up of 250,000 DNA nucleotides. This produces a large amount of sticky mucus which blocks the pathway of the Pancreatic ducts, Bronchi, Lungs, Digestion system and the Theintestines. CF controls the movement of chloride ions in and out of cells. This is important for the salt and water balance on epithelial surfaces, such as the lungs or the pancreas. The bacteria created by the mucus causes the damage to the affected areas. This will often result in respiratory system to be infected. This leads to irreversible damage to the body.
Normally, mucus is a slippery, watery substance that lines organs to keep them moist and prevent drying out or getting infected, but when one has cystic fibrosis, mucus is thick and sticky. The thick mucus builds up in the lungs and blocks the airways, which makes it easy for bacteria to grow. When the bacteria begin to grow, it leads to serious lung infections and over time causes severe damage to your lungs (“What is Cystic Fibrosis?”). Digestion problems can occur when the thick mucus block...
Cystic fibrosis is a disease many have heard of, but not many actually know what it all entails. The article “About Cystic Fibrosis,” describes it as, “a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time” (n.d.). This causes thick mucus buildup not only in the lungs but also in other organs as well such as the pancreas. Because of this build up, bacteria becomes trapped in the patients’ airways, which leads to infections, lung damage, and can even cause respiratory failure. The occurrence in the pancreas causes certain enzymes from being released and used in the body during digestion (“About Cystic Fibrosis,” n.d.). Clearly, this is a very serious disease that requires a lot
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, "An Introduction to Cystic Fibrosis for Patients and Families" in Respiratory Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook". Health Reference Series, V. 6, 1995. Sect. 5.1, p. 240.