Fatty acid profile in erythrocytes associated with serum cytokines in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze erythrocyte fatty acid composition and its association with serum cytokine levels in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed at a reference center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We have included all pediatric patients aged 5-19 years with confirmed cystic fibrosis diagnosis. Erythrocyte fatty acid composition and serum cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8) and C-reactive protein levels were measured. The cut-off point to determine essential fatty acids deficiency was the linoleic acid concentration of