Intestinal epithelium impairment in cystic fibrosis: What consequences in clinical practice?
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Cystic fibrosis (CF) results from the loss of function of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator protein, which is expressed at the apical membrane of various epithelia, including the digestive tract, and involved in chloride and bicarbonate transport. While modulators can improve pulmonary function, digestive symptoms remain a concern for patients with CF. Against this backdrop, it seems important to provide a current overview of research on intestinal inflammation in CF and a detailed analysis of the impact of this inflammation on each intestinal barrier compartment. It would also be useful to offer a description of the consequences of intestinal inflammation on associated complications, such as digestive cancers, and a comprehensive assessment of CF treatments and their impact on digestive manifestations. The different compartments of the intestinal barrier are impaired in CF (gut microbiota, mucus layer, intestinal epithelium, and immune cells), leading to chronic inflammation. This may explain the risk of colorectal cancer.
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.121071
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7202073447