Potential for antioxidant therapy of cystic fibrosis.
OBJECTIVE
Changes in redox state clearly play a role in airway inflammation and mucus rheology. Furthermore CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator), the defective protein in cystic fibrosis (CF), not only is regulated by redox state but also directly modulates the epithelial redox environment through transepithelial flux of glutathione. The purpose of this review is to explore the potential therapeutic interest of antioxidant molecules in CF.


RESULTS
Several antioxidants have been shown to have mucolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. Some antioxidants such as zinc and vitamin C may also help increase epithelial chloride secretion through CFTR-dependent and independent pathways. Other antioxidants are showing promise in helping CFTR mobilization to plasma membranes.


CONCLUSIONS
The many levels of potential application offered by antioxidants make this class of molecules one of the promising areas of therapeutic development for CF. Several redox-modulating agents have a high likelihood of providing useful approaches for the treatment of many aspects of CF airway disease.
Cantin
André M
AM
Pulmonary Division, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. andre.cantin@usherbrooke.ca
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / Q000378:metabolism; D005100:Expectorants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; C505032:CFTR protein, human; D005100:Expectorants; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator; D005978:Glutathione