Decreased total serum coenzyme-Q10 concentrations: a longitudinal study in children with cystic fibrosis.

Objective: To assess total serum levels of coenzyme Q(10) (Co-Q(10)), an important antioxidant, in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to investigate an association between Co-Q(10) level and clinical outcome.

Study Design: Co-Q(10) levels were measured annually in a prospective cohort study of 381 children with CF. A total of 1092 serum levels of total Co-Q(10) were obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet light detection.

Induced sputum matrix metalloproteinase-9 correlates with lung function and airway inflammation in children with cystic fibrosis.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade extracellular matrix and are implicated in causing airway damage in chronic inflammatory lung diseases, including cystic fibrosis (CF). Our primary objective was to examine the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and pulmonary function, as measured by forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), in children with CF. We measured MMP-9 and its natural tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in induced sputum from 18 clinically stable CF children with normal to mildly abnormal lung function and 7 healthy control children.

Myeloperoxidase and protein oxidation in the airways of young children with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by considerable oxidative stress. However, it is not known whether oxidative stress is an important feature early in this disease. We have investigated a group of infants and young children with CF to establish whether oxidants are produced in their airways.

Elevated C-reactive protein levels in the development of type 1 diabetes.

Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels have previously been described before the onset of type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. We hypothesized that inflammation, as reflected by elevated CRP levels, can help predict development of islet autoimmunity or type 1 diabetes. Children at risk for type 1 diabetes and followed in the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study of the Young (DAISY) had blood samples drawn and frozen serum saved at various intervals after birth.