Nutrition is a critical component of the management of cystic fibrosis (CF), and nutritional status is directly associated with both pulmonary status and survival(Reference Dodge and Turck1). Previous results have shown that several serum fractions (apoB, transferrin) related to the nutritional status of children with CF are diminished(Reference Perris, Barbeito, Strasnoy, Ferraro, Ramos and Slobodianik2). The present preliminary study measured in the same group of children specific serum proteins associated with the immune system and the activity of adenosine deaminase (ADA), an enzyme associated with T lymphocytes(Reference Kurashige, Akusawa, Yoshida, Teshima, Kodama and Mitsuhashi3, Reference Feliu and Slobodianik4). Sixteen children of both genders with CF, between 5 months and 11 years of age, were evaluated between September 2005 and February 2007,with assistance from the Nutrition Service. Samples of whole blood were collected from fasting patients. C3 and C4 complement fractions (C3c, C4c) were measured by single radial immunodiffusion techniques using commercially-available kits (Diffuplate; Biocientifica, Buenos Aires, Argentina)(Reference Mancini, Carbonara and Heremans5). The activity of ADA was determined by the method of Giusti & Galanti(Reference Bergmeyer6). The results were compared with reference values obtained from healthy children matched for age and gender.
Mean values were significantly different from those for the reference group: *0.001<P<0.02.
Significantly decreased C3c and C4c values with a concomitant increase in the activity of ADA were observed in patients with CF. The increase in the activity of ADA would be an alternative mechanism to avoid the accumulation of high levels of deoxynucleotides, which would be toxic for T-cell lymphocytes(Reference Feliu and Slobodianik4). These preliminary results suggest that the immune system, evaluated using serum levels of C3c and C4c and the activity of ADA, is altered. Specific nutritional support should be established and adjusted to individual needs.
Partially supported by University of Buenos Aires (Grant B-060).