A CFit Study: Baseline

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    A CFit Study: To what extent does inflammation, oxidative stress, nitric oxide bioavailability and microvascular endothelial dysfunction influence the aerobic exercise function of individuals with cystic fibrosis, with and without established diabetes?

  • IRAS ID

    225310

  • Contact name

    Zoe Saynor

  • Contact email

    zoe.saynor@port.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Portsmouth

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 0 months, 27 days

  • Research summary

    A great medical success is the increase in the median survival age associated with cystic fibrosis (CF) [1]. However, this success has led to a new era of research with the aim to maximise the quality of life (QoL) of the aging CF population. Recent research has demonstrated that the traditional method of determining disease progression, i.e. lung function, no longer adequately predict survival rates [2]. Therefore, various bodies have promoted cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET; [3]), as outcomes from this test (e.g. one’s maximal oxygen uptake) are known predictors of the QoL [4], risk of hospitalisation [5] and prognosis [6, 7] of individuals with CF.

    One of the most common non-respiratory consequences of CF is CF-related diabetes (CFRD). Importantly, CFRD is associated with a poorer lung function compared to CF patients without CFRD [8-10], and ultimately a worsened prognosis [11, 12]. Despite this, the effect of impaired glucose control on the maximal oxygen uptake derived from a CPET is unknown in CFRD. Therefore, the present study aims to assess whether ones maximal oxygen uptake, an established determinant of QoL, differs between patients with CF with and without CFRD as well as a group of age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects.

    The additional measures within the present study, such as blood markers of inflammation, redox balance and nitric oxide bioavailability, as well as functional measures of blood vessel function will aid our knowledge of the physiological abnormalities which are a cause or consequence of CFRD. Importantly, by identifying the factors which may contribute to CFRD progression and those that are viable for early intervention the aims and objectives of this study are compatible with the top 10 research objectives set by the CF Trust.

  • REC name

    South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    17/SC/0283

  • Date of REC Opinion

    24 Jul 2017

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion