Siobhan Lister

• Bsc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
• Does gastro-oesophageal reflux contribute to cystic fibrosis lung disease?

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) have shortened lives mainly because of deterioration of their lungs with time because of bacterial infections. However, another reason for this loss of lung function may be because noxious agents from their own stomach and intestines, such as bile, acid and enzymes, get inhaled into their lungs, since many people with CF suffer from so called gastro- oesophageal ‘reflux’. This project will test whether these noxious agents are able to damage lung cells, and if we show they do, this may lead to better treatments to prevent this happening, and so reduce CF lung disease.

Funding source: Physiological Society & Newcastle University