In this review, we delve into the topic of the pulmonary surfactant (PS) system, which is present in the respiratory system. The total composition of the PS has been presented and explored, from the types of cells involved in its synthesis and secretion, down to the specific building blocks used, such as the various lipid and protein components. The lipid and protein composition varies across species and between individuals, but ultimately produces a PS monolayer with the same role. As such, the composition has been investigated for the ways in which it imposes function and confers peculiar biophysical characteristics to the system as a whole. Moreover, a couple of theories/models that are associated with the functions of PS have been addressed. Finally, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of pulmonary surfactant have been emphasized to not only showcase various group’s findings, but also to demonstrate the validity and importance that MD simulations can have in future research exploring the PS monolayer system.
In recent years, vaping has increased in both popularity
and ease
of access. This has led to an outbreak of a relatively new condition
known as e-cigarette/vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI). This injury
can be caused by physical interactions between the pulmonary surfactant
(PS) in the lungs and toxins typically found in vaping solutions,
such as medium chain triglycerides (MCT). MCT has been largely used
as a carrier agent within many cannabis products commercially available
on the market. Pulmonary surfactant ensures proper respiration by
maintaining low surface tensions and interface stability throughout
each respiratory cycle. Therefore, any impediments to this system
that negatively affect the efficacy of this function will have a strong
hindrance on the individual’s quality of life. Herein, neutron
spin echo (NSE) and Langmuir trough rheology were used to probe the
effects of MCT on the mechanical properties of pulmonary surfactant.
Alongside a porcine surfactant extract, two lipid-only mimics of progressing
complexity were used to study MCT effects in a range of systems that
are representative of endogenous surfactant. MCT was shown to have
a greater biophysical effect on bilayer systems compared to monolayers,
which may align with biological data to propose a mechanism of surfactant
inhibition by MCT oil.
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