title: Lung transplantation in cystic fibrosis normalizes essential fatty acid profiles.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cystic fibrosis (CF) can be a devastating disease. Disorders in essential fatty acid state are increasingly reported and various supplementation trials have been performed in an attempt to improve outcomes. However, the mechanisms leading to these disturbances remain elusive. We wanted to investigate the role of the diseased CF lung on fatty acid profiles.
  
  
  METHODS
  We compared fatty acid profiles in patients with CF after lung transplantation (n=11) to age-matched healthy controls and homozygous F508del patients (n=22 each).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to healthy controls, in patients with CF, there are decreased levels of docosahexaenoic, linoleic and arachidonic acid and increased levels of mead acid. In patients that underwent a lung transplantation, levels of docosahexaenoic, linoleic and arachidonic acid were normal. Mead acid did not decrease significantly.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The diseased CFTR deficient lung is a major determinant in the disturbed fatty acid profile in CF.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, University hospitals Leuven, Kathollieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. Peter.witters@gmail.com
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Witters
authors.forename: Lieven
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dupont
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vermeulen
authors.forename: Marijke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Proesmans
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cassiman
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wallemacq
authors.forename: Kris
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: De Boeck
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery*; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016040:Lung Transplantation; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential