Echaide Torreguitar, MercedesAutilio, ChiaraArroyo, RaquelPérez-Gil, Jesús2023-06-172023-06-172017-090006-300210.1016/j.bbamem.2017.03.015https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/17997Pulmonary surfactant is a complex of lipids and proteins assembled and secreted by the alveolar epithelium into the thin layer of fluid coating the respiratory surface of lungs. There, surfactant forms interfacial films at the airwater interface, reducing dramatically surface tension and thus stabilizing the air-exposed interface to prevent alveolar collapse along respiratory mechanics. The absence or deficiency of surfactant produces severe lung pathologies. This review describes some of the most important surfactant-related pathologies, which are a cause of high morbidity and mortality in neonates and adults. The review also updates current therapeutic approaches pursuing restoration of surfactant operative films in diseased lungs, mainly through supplementation with exogenous clinical surfactant preparations. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane Lipid Therapy: Drugs Targeting Biomembranes edited by Pablo V. Escribá.engjournal articlehttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005273617300974restricted access577.112ARDSNRDSMeconium aspiration sindromeExogenous surfactant therapyAir-liquid interfaceRespiratory mechanicsBioquímica (Biología)2302 Bioquímica