A faulty version of the CFTR gene causes the disease cystic fibrosis (CF). This gene is found in 1 in 25 Caucasians in the Unite
d States. A person who inherits a copy of this gene from each parent develops CF. Thick mucus builds up in the lungs of CF patients, leaving them vulnerable to infections. Over time, this repeated cycle of illness and inflammation causes structural damage to the lungs of the patient. In a recent study, the common pain reliever ibuprofen significantly reduced lung damage caused by cystic fibrosis. This study included 90 CF patients who were all the ages of 5 years old. Half of those participating in the study were given a tablet containing ibuprofen, and the other half were given a placebo (a tablet containing no ibuprofen). Ibuprofen, taken along with other treatments, most benefited CF patients. Patients taking ibuprofen suffered less inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Lung deterioration in the children taking ibuprofen was nearly 90% slower than expected. Among those patients taking ibuprofen, lung capacity declined by only 2%, while those taking the placebo experienced a decline of 16%.
Researchers recommend that doctors begin the new therapy with their cystic fibrosis patients. However, the treatment involves taking large doses of ibuprofen, which can cause serious side effects, including stomach and kidney damage. The researchers warn people with cystic fibrosis not to take ibuprofen without talking with their doctors first.
Thirty years ago, most CF patients died before the age of 5. Today, many CF patients live into their 30's. A new drug for CF, DNase, was approved in 1994. Trials are also being done using gene therapy to correct the faulty gene found in cystic fibrosis patients. Since ibuprofen therapy delays the progression of the disease, it is hoped that more patients will be able to benefit from gene therapy when it becomes available for general use.
What is the hypothesis?
What is the IV?
What is the DV?
What is the control group?
What is the experimental group?
What is the constant?
Did the results support or refute the hypothesis?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in organs, including the lungs and the pancreas. In a healthy person, mucus that lines organs and body cavities, such as the lungs and the nose, is slippery and watery. In people with CF, thick mucus clogs causes symptoms in the lungs and pancreas.
