Alveolar epithelial glycocalyx degradation mediates surfactant dysfunction and contributes to acute respiratory distress syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common cause of respiratory failure yet has few pharmacologic therapies, reflecting the mechanistic heterogeneity of lung injury. We hypothesized that damage to the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx, a layer of glycosaminoglycans interposed between the epithelium and surfactant, contributes to lung injury in patients with ARDS. Using mass spectrometry of airspace fluid noninvasively collected from mechanically ventilated patients, we found that airspace glycosaminoglycan shedding (an index of glycocalyx degradation) occurred predominantly in patients with direct lung injury and was associated with duration of mechanical ventilation. Male patients had increased shedding, which correlated with airspace concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases.

SUBMITTER: Rizzo AN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8855818 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature