Overcoming inactivation of the lung surfactant by serum proteins: a potential role for fluorocarbons?

Abstract

In many pulmonary conditions serum proteins interfere with the normal adsorption of components of the lung surfactant to the surface of the alveoli, resulting in lung surfactant inactivation, with potentially serious untoward consequences. Here, we review the strategies that have recently been designed in order to counteract the biophysical mechanisms of inactivation of the surfactant. One approach includes protein analogues or peptides that mimic the native proteins responsible for innate resistance to inactivation. Another perspective uses water-soluble additives, such as electrolytes and hydrophilic polymers that are prone to enhance adsorption of phospholipids. An alternative, more recent approach consists of using fluorocarbons, that is, highly hydrophobic inert compounds that were investigated for partial liquid ventilation, that modify interfacial properties and can act as carriers of exogenous lung surfactant. The latter approach that allows fluidisation of phospholipid monolayers while maintaining capacity to reach near-zero surface tension definitely warrants further investigation.

Per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFASs): Environmental challenges

“…Fluorocarbons can actually act as lung surfactant substitutes [249]. Effects on mammary gland development can differ from one strain of mice to another [235, 238,250].…”

Influence of Perfluorohexane‐Enriched Atmosphere on Viscoelasticity and Structural Order of Self‐Assembled Semifluorinated Alkanes at the Air‐Water Interface

“…Therefore, perfluorocarbons enriched with oxygen could help patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) continue breathing . They have also potential for lung surfactant replacement . To date, several studies have shown how fluorocarbons interact with interfaces.…”

“…[8,9] They have also potential for lung surfactant replacement. [10][11][12] To date, several studies have shown how fluorocarbons interact with interfaces. For example, fluorocarbon gases reduce the tension at the air/ water interface by 2-5 mN/m, suggesting their adsorption.…”

Double‐Strand Breaks in Genome‐Sized DNA Caused by Ultrasound

“…Immunological assays are also commonly used to detect oxidative DNA damage through the use of an antibody or immunoglobulin . In situ hybridization provides information on specific changes in certain DNA sequences . Although several methodologies have been proposed to detect DSBs in DNA molecules, including the comet assay and single‐cell gel electrophoresis assay, it has been rather difficult to evaluate the number of DSBs per unit length of DNA in a quantitative manner, especially for long, genomic‐sized DNA molecules.…”

“…[3][4][5][6] For therapeutic purposes, various applications have been developedi ncluding the healing of wounds in skin, muscle and other tissues, hemostasis, transdermal drug delivery,t argeted drug delivery, in vivo oxygen delivery,a nd clot lysis. [7][8][9][10][11][12] With regard to these applications, it is important to evaluate the effect of ultrasound sonication on the living body and cells. [13][14][15] Ultrasound hasb otht hermal andn on-thermal effects.…”