Key Findings:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) causes problems in lung function which may be helped by dietary antioxidants. Flaxseed lignans have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic properties in murine models of ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) and radiation-induced lung injury (RILI). This study demonstrated that FS is safe and tolerable in stable CF adults. FS showed beneficial impact on antioxidant gene expression. The study was not designed to prove that FS works in mitigating disease which will be the focus of larger trials.
ABSTRACT:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) leads to advanced lung disease despite aggressive care. Persistent inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to exacerbations and disease progression. Flaxseed (FS), a dietary botanical supplement with high fiber, lignan phenolics, and omega-3 fatty acids has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in murine models of acute and chronic lung injury. This pilot study was designed to determine whether CF patients could tolerate FS, evaluate circulating FS metabolites, and study biomarkers of lung damage, as a prelude to studying clinical outcomes. (Authors Abstract)