Increased oxidative stress induces apoptosis in human cystic fibrosis cells.

Oxidative stress results in deleterious cell function in pathologies associated with inflammation. Here, we investigated the generation of superoxide anion as well as the anti-oxidant defense systems related to the isoforms of superoxide dismutases (SOD) in cystic fibrosis (CF) cells. Pro-apoptotic agents induced apoptosis in CF but not in control cells that was reduced by treatment with SOD mimetic.

Mechanisms of the noxious inflammatory cycle in cystic fibrosis.

Multiple evidences indicate that inflammation is an event occurring prior to infection in patients with cystic fibrosis. The self-perpetuating inflammatory cycle may play a pathogenic part in this disease. The role of the NF-kappaB pathway in enhanced production of inflammatory mediators is well documented.

Exaggerated apoptosis and NF-kappaB activation in pancreatic and tracheal cystic fibrosis cells.

The pathophysiologic mechanisms causing inflammation in cystic fibrosis (CF) remain obscure. The effects of proapoptotic agents on pancreatic and tracheal cell lines expressing wild-type CFTR (PANC-1 and NT-1, respectively) or the homozygous CFTRDeltaF508 mutation (CFPAC-1 and CFT-2, respectively) were assessed. An increased susceptibility to apoptosis was observed in CFPAC-1 and CFT-2 cells.