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Lung surfactant alterations in pulmonary thromboembolism
A Calkovska1, D Mokra, V Calkovsky
1Department of Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Mala Hora 4, SK-03754 Martin, Slovakia. Calkovska@jfmed.uniba.sk
European Journal of Medical Research
|February 17, 2010
Summary
Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) alters lung surfactant composition and protein levels, indicating lung injury. These surfactant changes may serve as a prognostic marker for patients with PTE.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Secondary surfactant deficiency can occur in adults with mature lungs, not just neonates.
- Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a condition affecting lung function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate quantitative and qualitative changes in lung surfactant in patients with PTE.
- To explore the potential of surfactant changes as a prognostic indicator for PTE.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid for total phospholipids and surfactant phospholipids classes.
- Assessment of the large-to-small aggregates ratio in BAL fluid.
- Measurement of surfactant protein A (SP-A) mRNA and protein expression in lung tissue.
- Comparison of serum SP-A levels in PTE patients versus other lung diseases.
Main Results:
- PTE is associated with altered total phospholipids content, surfactant phospholipids classes, and aggregate ratios in BAL fluid.
- Reduced expression of SP-A mRNA and SP-A was observed in lung tissue post-pulmonary embolism.
- Serum SP-A levels were significantly elevated in PTE patients compared to other lung diseases (except COPD).
- Surfactant dysfunction in PTE may stem from type II cell damage, plasma protein leakage, or oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Surfactant alterations in PTE contribute to lung atelectasis, edema, and reduced oxygen saturation.
- Changes in lung surfactant serve as a reliable marker of lung injury in PTE.
- Surfactant changes show potential as a prognostic indicator for pulmonary thromboembolism.
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