title: Aberrant free radical activity in cystic fibrosis.
abstract: It has been suggested that the molar ratio of octadeca 9,11 dienoic acid to linoleic acid in biological material provides an index of activity along the non-peroxide pathway of a free radical attack on polyunsaturated fatty acids. In 17 adults with cystic fibrosis the 'molar ratio' in nasal epithelial cells--a recognised target of the disease--exceeded that in 20 controls (median 2.09%, range 1.70-3.01% versus 1.56, 0.92-2.23%, p = 0.0002). The difference was also apparent, although less stark, upon analysis of serum in a further 22 CF patients (2.48%, 1.60-5.24%) and 25 controls (1.96%, 0.81-3.90%, p = 0.0348). There was no correlation between the 'molar ratio' and blood white cell count or erythrocyte sedimentation rate, severity of lung or liver disease, indicating that the raised values are a primary feature, rather than reflecting disease severity. Aberrant free radical activity may underlie cellular dysfunction in cystic fibrosis.
authors.affiliation: Regional Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Monsall Hospital Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Salh
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Guyan
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Day
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wickens
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Griffin
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Braganza
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Dormandy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D008042:Linolenic Acids / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D008297:Male; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D012643:Selenium / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D005609:Free Radicals; D008042:Linolenic Acids; D012643:Selenium