Surfactant Dysfunction in ARDS and Bronchiolitis is Repaired with Cyclodextrins

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is caused by many factors including inhalation of toxicants, acute barotrauma, acid aspiration, and burns. Surfactant function is impaired in ARDS and acute airway injury resulting in high surface tension with alveolar and small airway collapse, edema, hypoxemia, and death. In this study, we explore the mechanisms whereby surfactant becomes dysfunctional in ARDS and bronchiolitis and its repair with a cyclodextrin drug that sequesters cholesterol.

We used in vitro model systems, a mouse model of ARDS, and samples from patients with acute bronchiolitis. Surface tension was measured by captive bubble surfactometry.

Patient samples showed severe surfactant inhibition even in the absence of elevated cholesterol levels. Surfactant was also impaired in ARDS mice where the cholesterol to phospholipid ratio (W/W%) was increased. Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) restored surfactant function to normal in both human and animal samples. Model studies showed that the inhibition of surfactant was due to both elevated cholesterol and an interaction between cholesterol and oxidized phospholipids. MβCD was also shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Inhaled cyclodextrins have potential for the treatment of ARDS. They could be delivered in a portable device carried in combat and used following exposure to toxic gases and fumes or shock secondary to hemorrhage and burns.