Modulation of pulmonary fibrosis by pulmonary surfactant-associated phosphatidylethanolamine in vitro and in vivo

Abstract

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is characterized by excessive collagen deposition and impaired lung function. Pulmonary surfactant may modulate fibroblast activity and offer therapeutic benefits. We developed a natural porcine pulmonary surfactant (NPPS) enriched with 1,2-dipalmitoyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and evaluated its biophysical and biological properties. Biophysical analysis showed that PE improved surfactant performance by increasing surface pressure and stability. In vitro, NPPS-PE reduced collagen expression and induced apoptosis in normal human lung fibroblasts; in addition, it decreased proliferation in fibroblasts stimulated with TGF-β. In vivo, NPPS-PE improved gas exchange and significantly reduced collagen deposition in bleomycin-treated mice. These findings suggest that NPPS-PE may be a promising therapeutic strategy for fibrosing lung diseases.