In the lungs, a molecular mixture known as, surfactant, is essential for healthy breathing. This surfactant is sometimes inactivated in adults with lung injuries and inflammation. Novel research put forth by Chiara Autilio and colleagues at the lab of Jesus Perez-Gil at the Complutense University of Madrid has demonstrated that therapeutically induced hypothermia can be a life-saving strategy in ARDS patients.
ARDS patients, which is a primary component of severe CODIV-19 cases, suffer from cytokine storms and massive amounts of inflammation at the site of the lungs. Surfactant levels are severely reduced as a result of excess inflammation. Autilio and colleagues discovered that reducing body temperature gave significant improvements in surfactant activity.
The team found that at 33°C, the surfactant had a decreased surface tension, which could make it easier for oxygen to enter the lungs. The team also found that lower tension changed the activity of the molecules in the surfactant, which prevented surfactant from being disrupted by blood molecules, which can occur during lung injury.
"We are working to create a surfactant for adults, a surfactant that could work in the context of acute respiratory distress syndrome," replied Autilio on future research aims.
Image Credit: Image courtesy of Chiara Autilio and created by Alejandro Alonso.