Year: 2019
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Genetic defects in CFTR is associated with mucus dehydration, opportunistic bacterial infection, and inflammation in CF lung disease. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) contribute to the extracellular DNA in CF airway mucus, and increase the risk for mucus obstruction. Although adult CF females are reported to be at a disadvantage for CF lung disease, the role of NETosis in the CF sex-difference is not clear. I hypothesized that CF neutrophils will display sex-difference. I isolated CF and healthy peripheral blood neutrophils, and measured levels of NETosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to various stimuli. CF neutrophils formed more NETs and less ROS at baseline than healthy neutrophils. Female CF neutrophils formed more NETs than CF males. Female sex-hormones had varying effects on NETosis in CF but not healthy neutrophils. The sex-based discrepancy in NETosis observed in CF may put females at a higher risk for worse lung related outcomes.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Zubair Ali
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3152697591