Loss of fat-free mass over four years in adult cystic fibrosis is associated with high serum interleukin-6 levels but not tumour necrosis factor-alpha

Background & aims: Malnutrition is associated with poorer outcome in cystic fibrosis (CF). This follow-up study aimed to document nutritional status changes, including fat-free mass (FFM), in adults with CF; and to identify predictors of FFM loss. Methods: Fifty-eight non-transplanted CF adults (mean +/- SD forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 63.7 +/- 21.4%predicted; mean +/- SD age 30.3 +/- 7.7years at baseline) were studied at baseline and 3.6 +/- 0.4 years later. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. At follow-up, blood was analysed for interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNE-alpha) on three occasions over six months and averaged for each participant. Associations with annual percentage change in FFM (ann%Delta FFM), including cytokines, CF genotype and annual change in FEV1%predicted (ann Delta FEV1%), were determined. Results: Mean FFM was 49.5 +/- 8.8 kg at baseline and 49.6 +/- 8.9 kg at follow-up (p = 0.66). Ann%Delta FFM ranged from -2.0 to +3.6%. FEV1%predicted declined by 1.2 +/- 2.4% per year. Forty percent of participants had elevated average interleukin-6 levels. Ann%Delta FFM was negatively correlated with interleukin-6 levels (rho -0.34, p = 0.008), but not TNF-alpha or ann Delta FEV1%. F508DEL homozygote or heterozygote participants had greater FFM loss than those carrying no F508DEL allele (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Higher serum interleukin-6 and presence of the F508DEL mutation, but not TNF-alpha, were associated with FFM loss in adults with CF. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.