Does 'sub-threshold' ventilatory stress promote healing after lung injury?

Excessive tidal stretching may initiate damage or retard healing after lung injury. However, it is seldom considered whether intracycle power and ventilatory forces of lesser magnitude than those required to cross an injury threshold might stimulate or accelerate beneficial adaptive responses. Acute lung injury is a dynamic process that may exhibit phase-dependent reparative responses to mechanical stress broadly similar to physical training, body trauma or sepsis. We propose that lower stress may not always be better through all phases of ARDS; moderately high tidal airway pressures that stay below the threshold of global injury may have potential to speed healing of the injured lung.

An update on the pharmacological management of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by acute inflammatory injury to the lungs, alterations in vascular permeability, loss of aerated tissue, bilateral infiltrates, and refractory hypoxemia. ARDS is considered a heterogeneous syndrome, which complicates the search for effective therapies. The goal of this review is to provide an update on the pharmacological management of ARDS. AREAS COVERED: The difficulties in finding effective pharmacological therapies are mainly due to the challenges in designing clinical trials for this unique, varied population of critically ill patients. Recently, some trials have been retrospectively analyzed by dividing patients into hyper-inflammatory and hypo-inflammatory sub-phenotypes. This approach has led to significant outcome improvements with some pharmacological treatments that previously failed to demonstrate efficacy, which suggests that a more precise selection of ARDS patients for clinical trials could be the key to identifying effective pharmacotherapies. This review is provided after searching the main studies on this topics on the PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov databases. EXPERT OPINION: The future of ARDS therapy lies in precision medicine, innovative approaches to drug delivery, immunomodulation, cell-based therapies, and robust clinical trial designs. These should lead to more effective and personalized treatments for patients with ARDS.

Effects of mechanical ventilation on the interstitial extracellular matrix in healthy lungs and lungs affected by acute respiratory distress syndrome: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical ventilation, a lifesaving intervention in critical care, can lead to damage in the extracellular matrix (ECM), triggering inflammation and ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), particularly in conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This review discusses the detailed structure of the ECM in healthy and ARDS-affected lungs under mechanical ventilation, aiming to bridge the gap between experimental insights and clinical practice by offering a thorough understanding of lung ECM organization and the dynamics of its alteration during mechanical ventilation. MAIN TEXT: Focusing on the clinical implications, we explore the potential of precise interventions targeting the ECM and cellular signaling pathways to mitigate lung damage, reduce inflammation, and ultimately improve outcomes for critically ill patients. By analyzing a range of experimental studies and clinical papers, particular attention is paid to the roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), integrins, and other molecules in ECM damage and VILI. This synthesis not only sheds light on the structural changes induced by mechanical stress but also underscores the importance of cellular responses such as inflammation, fibrosis, and excessive activation of MMPs. CONCLUSIONS: This review emphasizes the significance of mechanical cues transduced by integrins and their impact on cellular behavior during ventilation, offering insights into the complex interactions between mechanical ventilation, ECM damage, and cellular signaling. By understanding these mechanisms, healthcare professionals in critical care can anticipate the consequences of mechanical ventilation and use targeted strategies to prevent or minimize ECM damage, ultimately leading to better patient management and outcomes in critical care settings.

Toll like receptor 4 mediates the inhibitory effect of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on proximal tubule albumin endocytosis.

Tubular proteinuria is a common feature in COVID-19 patients, even in the absence of established acute kidney injury. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S protein) was shown to inhibit megalin-mediated albumin endocytosis in proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs). Angiotensin-converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2) was not directly involved. Since Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mediates S protein effects in various cell types, we hypothesized that TLR4 could be participating in the inhibition of PTECs albumin endocytosis elicited by S protein. Two different models of PTECs were used: porcine proximal tubule cells (LLC-PK1) and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293). S protein reduced Akt activity by specifically inhibiting of threonine 308 (Thr308) phosphorylation, a process mediated by phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1). GSK2334470, a PDK1 inhibitor, decreased albumin endocytosis and megalin expression mimicking S protein effect. S protein did not change total TLR4 expression but decreased its surface expression. LPS-RS, a TLR4 antagonist, also counteracted the effects of the S protein on Akt phosphorylation at Thr308, albumin endocytosis, and megalin expression. Conversely, these effects of the S protein were replicated by LPS, an agonist of TLR4. Incubation of PTECs with a pseudovirus containing S protein inhibited albumin endocytosis. Null or VSV-G pseudovirus, used as control, had no effect. LPS-RS prevented the inhibitory impact of pseudovirus containing the S protein on albumin endocytosis but had no influence on virus internalization. Our findings demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of the S protein on albumin endocytosis in PTECs is mediated through TLR4, resulting from a reduction in megalin expression.

Stress & strain in mechanically nonuniform alveoli using clinical input variables: a simple conceptual model.

Clinicians currently monitor pressure and volume at the airway opening, assuming that these observations relate closely to stresses and strains at the micro level. Indeed, this assumption forms the basis of current approaches to lung protective ventilation. Nonetheless, although the airway pressure applied under static conditions may be the same everywhere in healthy lungs, the stresses within a mechanically non-uniform ARDS lung are not. Estimating actual tissue stresses and strains that occur in a mechanically non-uniform environment must account for factors beyond the measurements from the ventilator circuit of airway pressures, tidal volume, and total mechanical power. A first conceptual step for the clinician to better define the VILI hazard requires consideration of lung unit tension, stress focusing, and intracycle power concentration. With reasonable approximations, better understanding of the value and limitations of presently used general guidelines for lung protection may eventually be developed from clinical inputs measured by the caregiver. The primary purpose of the present thought exercise is to extend our published model of a uniform, spherical lung unit to characterize the amplifications of stress (tension) and strain (area change) that occur under static conditions at interface boundaries between a sphere's surface segments having differing compliances. Together with measurable ventilating power, these are incorporated into our perspective of VILI risk. This conceptual exercise brings to light how variables that are seldom considered by the clinician but are both recognizable and measurable might help gauge the hazard for VILI of applied pressure and power.

Effects of prone positioning on lung mechanical power components in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a physiologic study.

BACKGROUND: Prone positioning (PP) homogenizes ventilation distribution and may limit ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) in patients with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The static and dynamic components of ventilation that may cause VILI have been aggregated in mechanical power, considered a unifying driver of VILI. PP may affect mechanical power components differently due to changes in respiratory mechanics; however, the effects of PP on lung mechanical power components are unclear. This study aimed to compare the following parameters during supine positioning (SP) and PP: lung total elastic power and its components (elastic static power and elastic dynamic power) and these variables normalized to end-expiratory lung volume (EELV). METHODS: This prospective physiologic study included 55 patients with moderate to severe ARDS. Lung total elastic power and its static and dynamic components were compared during SP and PP using an esophageal pressure-guided ventilation strategy. In SP, the esophageal pressure-guided ventilation strategy was further compared with an oxygenation-guided ventilation strategy defined as baseline SP. The primary endpoint was the effect of PP on lung total elastic power non-normalized and normalized to EELV. Secondary endpoints were the effects of PP and ventilation strategies on lung elastic static and dynamic power components non-normalized and normalized to EELV, respiratory mechanics, gas exchange, and hemodynamic parameters. RESULTS: Lung total elastic power (median [interquartile range]) was lower during PP compared with SP (6.7 [4.9-10.6] versus 11.0 [6.6-14.8] J/min; P < 0.001) non-normalized and normalized to EELV (3.2 [2.1-5.0] versus 5.3 [3.3-7.5] J/min/L; P < 0.001). Comparing PP with SP, transpulmonary pressures and EELV did not significantly differ despite lower positive end-expiratory pressure and plateau airway pressure, thereby reducing non-normalized and normalized lung elastic static power in PP. PP improved gas exchange, cardiac output, and increased oxygen delivery compared with SP. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with moderate to severe ARDS, PP reduced lung total elastic and elastic static power compared with SP regardless of EELV normalization because comparable transpulmonary pressures and EELV were achieved at lower airway pressures. This resulted in improved gas exchange, hemodynamics, and oxygen delivery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00017449). Registered June 27, 2019. https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00017449.

Management of Neuromuscular Blocking Agents in Critically Ill Patients with Lung Diseases.

The use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) is common in the intensive care unit (ICU). NMBAs have been used in critically ill patients with lung diseases to optimize mechanical ventilation, prevent spontaneous respiratory efforts, reduce the work of breathing and oxygen consumption, and avoid patient-ventilator asynchrony. In patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), NMBAs reduce the risk of barotrauma and improve oxygenation. Nevertheless, current guidelines and evidence are contrasting regarding the routine use of NMBAs. In status asthmaticus and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, NMBAs are used in specific conditions to ameliorate patient-ventilator synchronism and oxygenation, although their routine use is controversial. Indeed, the use of NMBAs has decreased over the last decade due to potential adverse effects, such as immobilization, venous thrombosis, patient awareness during paralysis, development of critical illness myopathy, autonomic interactions, ICU-acquired weakness, and residual paralysis after cessation of NMBAs use. The aim of this review is to highlight current knowledge and synthesize the evidence for the effects of NMBAs for critically ill patients with lung diseases, focusing on patient-ventilator asynchrony, ARDS, status asthmaticus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Short-term mild hyperventilation on intracranial pressure, cerebral autoregulation, and oxygenation in acute brain injury patients: a prospective observational study.

Current guidelines suggest a target of partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of 32-35 mmHg (mild hypocapnia) as tier 2 for the management of intracranial hypertension. However, the effects of mild hyperventilation on cerebrovascular dynamics are not completely elucidated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes of intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral autoregulation (measured through pressure reactivity index, PRx), and regional cerebral oxygenation (rSO2) parameters before and after induction of mild hyperventilation. Single center, observational study including patients with acute brain injury (ABI) admitted to the intensive care unit undergoing multimodal neuromonitoring and requiring titration of PaCO2 values to mild hypocapnia as tier 2 for the management of intracranial hypertension. Twenty-five patients were included in this study (40% female), median age 64.7 years (Interquartile Range, IQR = 45.9-73.2). Median Glasgow Coma Scale was 6 (IQR = 3-11). After mild hyperventilation, PaCO2 values decreased (from 42 (39-44) to 34 (32-34) mmHg, p < 0.0001), ICP and PRx significantly decreased (from 25.4 (24.1-26.4) to 17.5 (16-21.2) mmHg, p < 0.0001, and from 0.32 (0.1-0.52) to 0.12 (-0.03-0.23), p < 0.0001). rSO2 was statistically but not clinically significantly reduced (from 60% (56-64) to 59% (54-61), p < 0.0001), but the arterial component of rSO2 (ΔO2Hbi, changes in concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin of the total rSO2) decreased from 3.83 (3-6.2) µM.cm to 1.6 (0.5-3.1) µM.cm, p = 0.0001. Mild hyperventilation can reduce ICP and improve cerebral autoregulation, with minimal clinical effects on cerebral oxygenation. However, the arterial component of rSO2 was importantly reduced. Multimodal neuromonitoring is essential when titrating PaCO2 values for ICP management.

Proteomics of serum-derived extracellular vesicles are associated with the severity and different clinical profiles of patients with COVID-19: An exploratory secondary analysis.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations with the potential to progress to multiple organ dysfunction in severe cases. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry a range of biological cargoes, which may be used as biomarkers of disease state. METHODS: An exploratory secondary analysis of the SARITA-2 and SARITA-1 datasets (randomized clinical trials on patients with mild and moderate/severe COVID-19) was performed. Serum-derived EVs were used for proteomic analysis to identify enriched biological processes and key proteins, thus providing insights into differences in disease severity. Serum-derived EVs were separated from patients with COVID-19 by size exclusion chromatography and nanoparticle tracking analysis was used to determine particle concentration and diameter. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed to identify and quantify protein signatures. Bioinformatics and multivariate statistical analysis were applied to distinguish candidate proteins associated with disease severity (mild versus moderate/severe COVID-19). RESULTS: No differences were observed in terms of the concentration and diameter of enriched EVs between mild (n = 14) and moderate/severe (n = 30) COVID-19. A total of 414 proteins were found to be present in EVs, of which 360 were shared while 48 were uniquely present in severe/moderate compared to mild COVID-19. The main biological signatures in moderate/severe COVID-19 were associated with platelet degranulation, exocytosis, complement activation, immune effector activation, and humoral immune response. Von Willebrand factor, serum amyloid A-2 protein, histone H4 and H2A type 2-C, and fibrinogen ß-chain were the most differentially expressed proteins between severity groups. CONCLUSION: Exploratory proteomic analysis of serum-derived EVs from patients with COVID-19 detected key proteins related to immune response and activation of coagulation and complement pathways, which are associated with disease severity. Our data suggest that EV proteins may be relevant biomarkers of disease state and prognosis.

Clinical practice and effect of carbon dioxide on outcomes in mechanically ventilated acute brain-injured patients: a secondary analysis of the ENIO study.

PURPOSE: The use of arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) as a target intervention to manage elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) and its effect on clinical outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to describe targets for PaCO2 in acute brain injured (ABI) patients and assess the occurrence of abnormal PaCO2 values during the first week in the intensive care unit (ICU). The secondary aim was to assess the association of PaCO2 with in-hospital mortality. METHODS: We carried out a secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study involving adult invasively ventilated patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), or ischemic stroke (IS). PaCO2 was collected on day 1, 3, and 7 from ICU admission. Normocapnia was defined as PaCO2 > 35 and to 45 mmHg; mild hypocapnia as 32-35 mmHg; severe hypocapnia as 26-31 mmHg, forced hypocapnia as < 26 mmHg, and hypercapnia as > 45 mmHg. RESULTS: 1476 patients (65.9% male, mean age 52 ± 18 years) were included. On ICU admission, 804 (54.5%) patients were normocapnic (incidence 1.37 episodes per person/day during ICU stay), and 125 (8.5%) and 334 (22.6%) were mild or severe hypocapnic (0.52 and 0.25 episodes/day). Forced hypocapnia and hypercapnia were used in 40 (2.7%) and 173 (11.7%) patients. PaCO2 had a U-shape relationship with in-hospital mortality with only severe hypocapnia and hypercapnia being associated with increased probability of in-hospital mortality (omnibus p value = 0.0009). Important differences were observed across different subgroups of ABI patients. CONCLUSIONS: Normocapnia and mild hypocapnia are common in ABI patients and do not affect patients' outcome. Extreme derangements of PaCO2 values were significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality.

The MSC-EV-microRNAome: A Perspective on Therapeutic Mechanisms of Action in Sepsis and ARDS.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as innovative therapeutic agents for the treatment of sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Although their potential remains undisputed in pre-clinical models, this has yet to be translated to the clinic. In this review, we focused on the role of microRNAs contained in MSC-derived EVs, the EV microRNAome, and their potential contribution to therapeutic mechanisms of action. The evidence that miRNA transfer in MSC-derived EVs has a role in the overall therapeutic effects is compelling. However, several questions remain regarding how to reconcile the stochiometric issue of the low copy numbers of the miRNAs present in the EV particles, how different miRNAs delivered simultaneously interact with their targets within recipient cells, and the best miRNA or combination of miRNAs to use as therapy, potency markers, and biomarkers of efficacy in the clinic. Here, we offer a molecular genetics and systems biology perspective on the function of EV microRNAs, their contribution to mechanisms of action, and their therapeutic potential.

Effects of positive end-expiratory pressure on brain oxygenation, systemic oxygen cascade and metabolism in acute brain injured patients: a pilot physiological cross-sectional study.

Patients with acute brain injury (ABI) often require the application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to optimize mechanical ventilation and systemic oxygenation. However, the effect of PEEP on cerebral function and metabolism is unclear. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PEEP augmentation test (from 5 to 15 cmH2O) on brain oxygenation, systemic oxygen cascade and metabolism in ABI patients. Secondary aims include to determine whether changes in regional cerebral oxygenation are reflected by changes in oxygenation cascade and metabolism, and to assess the correlation between brain oxygenation and mechanical ventilation settings. Single center, pilot cross-sectional observational study in an Academic Hospital. Inclusion criteria were: adult (> 18 y/o) patients with ABI and stable intracranial pressure, available gas exchange and indirect calorimetry (IC) monitoring. Cerebral oxygenation was monitored with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and different derived parameters were collected: variation (Δ) in oxy (O2)-hemoglobin (Hb) (ΔO2Hbi), deoxy-Hb(ΔHHbi), total-Hb(ΔcHbi), and total regional oxygenation (ΔrSO2). Oxygen cascade and metabolism were monitored with arterial/venous blood gas analysis [arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), arterial saturation of oxygen (SaO2), oxygen delivery (DO2), and lactate], and IC [energy expenditure (REE), respiratory quotient (RQ), oxygen consumption (VO2), and carbon dioxide production (VCO2)]. Data were measured at PEEP 5 cmH2O and 15 cmH2O and expressed as delta (Δ) values. Ten patients with ABI [median age 70 (IQR 62-75) years, 6 (60%) were male, median Glasgow Coma Scale at ICU admission 5.5 (IQR 3-8)] were included. PEEP augmentation from 5 to 15 cmH2O did not affect cerebral oxygenation, systemic oxygen cascade parameters, and metabolism. The arterial component of cerebral oxygenation was significantly correlated with DO2 (ΔO2HBi, rho = 0.717, p = 0.037). ΔrSO2 (rho = 0.727, p = 0.032), ΔcHbi (rho = 0.797, p = 0.013), and ΔHHBi (rho = 0.816, p = 0.009) were significantly correlated with SaO2, but not ΔO2Hbi. ΔrSO2 was significantly correlated with VCO2 (rho = 0.681, p = 0.049). No correlation between brain oxygenation and ventilatory parameters was found. PEEP augmentation test did not affect cerebral and systemic oxygenation or metabolism. Changes in cerebral oxygenation significantly correlated with DO2, SaO2, and VCO2. Cerebral oxygen monitoring could be considered for individualization of mechanical ventilation setting in ABI patients without high or instable intracranial pressure.

Preload Responsiveness in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Managed With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

A restrictive fluid strategy is recommended in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) managed with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO). However, there are no established predictors for preload responsiveness in these patients. In 20 ARDS patients managed with VV ECMO, transesophageal echocardiography was used to repeatedly evaluate dynamic parameters of the left (velocity and stroke volume variation) and right ventricular outflow tract (velocity [respiratory variations of the maximal Doppler velocity in the truncus pulmonalis {ΔV max TP}] and velocity time integral [respiratory variation of the velocity time integral measured in the truncus pulmonalis {ΔVTI_TP}] variation in the truncus pulmonalis), the diameter variation in the superior and inferior vena cava and stroke volume variation measured by pulse contour analysis (SVV_PCA). Patients were categorized as responders and nonresponders according to an increase in stroke volume measured by echocardiography during a Passive Leg Raise Test with a cutoff value ≥10%. The final analysis includes 86 measurements. Predictive values for preload responsiveness were found for ΔV max TP (area under the curve [AUC] of 0.64), ΔVTI_TP (AUC 0.67), and SVV_PCA (AUC 0.74). In conclusion, SVV_PCA and, to a lesser extent, ΔV max TP and ΔVTI_TP are the most accurate parameters to predict preload responsiveness in ARDS patients managed with VV ECMO. Transesophageal echocardiography offers no advantages over pulse contour analysis for predicting preload responsiveness and provides only intermittent monitoring and assessment.

Effects of different positive end-expiratory pressure titration strategies on mechanical power during ultraprotective ventilation in ARDS patients treated with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A prospective interventional study.

PURPOSE: Ultraprotective ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) reduces mechanical power (MP) through changes in positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP); however, the optimal approach to titrate PEEP is unknown. This study assesses the effects of three PEEP titration strategies on MP, hemodynamic parameters, and oxygen delivery in twenty ARDS patients with VV ECMO. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PEEP was titrated according to: (A) a PEEP of 10 cmH2O representing the lowest recommendation by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (PEEPELSO), (B) the highest static compliance of the respiratory system (PEEPCstat,RS), and (C) a target end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure of 0 cmH2O (PEEPPtpexp). RESULTS: PEEPELSO was lower compared to PEEPCstat,RS and PEEPPtpexp (10.0 ± 0.0 vs. 16.2 ± 4.7 cmH2O and 17.3 ± 4.0 cmH2O, p < 0.001 each, respectively). PEEPELSO reduced MP compared to PEEPCstat,RS and PEEPPtpexp (5.3 ± 1.3 vs. 6.8 ± 2.0 and 6.9 ± 2.3 J/min, p < 0.001 each, respectively). PEEPELSO resulted in less lung stress compared to PEEPCstat,RS (p = 0.011) and PEEPPtpexp (p < 0.001) and increased cardiac output and oxygen delivery (p < 0.001 each). CONCLUSIONS: An empirical PEEP of 10 cmH2O minimized MP, provided favorable hemodynamics, and increased oxygen delivery in ARDS patients treated with VV ECMO. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00013967). Registered 02/09/2018https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00013967.

Pressure-support compared with pressure-controlled ventilation mitigates lung and brain injury in experimental acute ischemic stroke in rats.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the pulmonary and cerebral effects of low-tidal volume ventilation in pressure-support (PSV) and pressure-controlled (PCV) modes at two PEEP levels in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). METHODS: In this randomized experimental study, AIS was induced by thermocoagulation in 30 healthy male Wistar rats. After 24 h, AIS animals were randomly assigned to PSV or PCV with VT = 6 mL/kg and PEEP = 2 cmH2O (PSV-PEEP2 and PCV-PEEP2) or PEEP = 5 cmH2O (PSV-PEEP5 and PCV-PEEP5) for 2 h. Lung mechanics, arterial blood gases, and echocardiography were evaluated before and after the experiment. Lungs and brain tissue were removed for histologic and molecular biology analysis. The primary endpoint was diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) score; secondary endpoints included brain histology and brain and lung molecular biology markers. RESULTS: In lungs, DAD was lower with PSV-PEEP5 than PCV-PEEP5 (p < 0.001); interleukin (IL)-1ß was lower with PSV-PEEP2 than PCV-PEEP2 (p = 0.016) and PSV-PEEP5 than PCV-PEEP5 (p = 0.046); zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) was lower in PCV-PEEP5 than PCV-PEEP2 (p = 0.042). In brain, necrosis, hemorrhage, neuropil edema, and CD45 + microglia were lower in PSV than PCV animals at PEEP = 2 cmH2O (p = 0.036, p = 0.025, p = 0.018, p = 0.011, respectively) and PEEP = 5 cmH2O (p = 0.003, p = 0.003, p = 0.007, p = 0.003, respectively); IL-1ß was lower while ZO-1 was higher in PSV-PEEP2 than PCV-PEEP2 (p = 0.009, p = 0.007, respectively), suggesting blood-brain barrier integrity. Claudin-5 was higher in PSV-PEEP2 than PSV-PEEP5 (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: In experimental AIS, PSV compared with PCV reduced lung and brain injury. Lung ZO-1 reduced in PCV with PEEP = 2 versus PEEP = 5 cmH2O, while brain claudin-5 increased in PSV with PEEP = 2 versus PEEP = 5 cmH2O.

From pressure to tension: a model of damaging inflation stress.

Although the stretch that generates ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) occurs within the peripheral tissue that encloses the alveolar space, airway pressures and volumes monitor the gas within the interior core of the lung unit, not its cellular enclosure. Measured pressures (plateau pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure, and driving pressure) and tidal volumes paint a highly relevant but incomplete picture of forces that act on the lung tissues themselves. Convenient and clinically useful measures of the airspace, such as pressure and volume, neglect the partitioning of tidal elastic energy into the increments of tension and surface area that constitute actual stress and strain at the alveolar margins. More sharply focused determinants of VILI require estimates of absolute alveolar dimension and morphology and the lung's unstressed volume at rest. We present a highly simplified but informative mathematical model that translates the radial energy of pressure and volume of the airspace into its surface energy components. In doing so it elaborates conceptual relationships that highlight the forces tending to cause end-tidal hyperinflation of aerated units within the 'baby lung' of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Dexmedetomidine compared to low-dose ketamine better protected not only the brain but also the lungs in acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine (DEX) and low-dose ketamine (KET) present neuroprotective effects in acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, to date, no studies have evaluated which has better protective effects not only on the brain but also lungs in AIS. METHODS: AIS-induced Wistar rats (390 ± 30 g) were randomized after 24-h, receiving dexmedetomidine (STROKE-DEX, n = 10) or low-dose S(+)-ketamine (STROKE-KET, n = 10). After 1-h protective ventilation, perilesional brain tissue and lungs were removed for histologic and molecular biology analysis. STROKE animals (n = 5), receiving sodium thiopental but not ventilated, had brain and lungs removed for molecular biology analysis. Effects of DEX and KET mean plasma concentrations on alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, and lung endothelial cells, extracted primarily 24-h after AIS, were evaluated. RESULTS: In perilesional brain tissue, apoptosis did not differ between groups. In STROKE-DEX, compared to STROKE-KET, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expressions were reduced, but no changes in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and super oxide dismutase (SOD)-1 were observed. In lungs, TNF-α and VCAM-1 were reduced, whereas Nrf2 and SOD-1 were increased in STROKE-DEX. In alveolar macrophages, TNF-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (M1 macrophage phenotype) were lower and arginase and transforming growth factor-ß (M2 macrophage phenotype) higher in STROKE-DEX. In lung neutrophils, CXC chemokine receptors (CXCR2 and CXCR4) were higher in STROKE-DEX. In lung endothelial cells, E-selectin and VCAM-1 were lower in STROKE-DEX. CONCLUSIONS: In the current AIS model, dexmedetomidine compared to low-dose ketamine reduced inflammation and endothelial cell damage in both brain and lung, suggesting greater protection.

Tyrosine-Mutant AAV8 Vector Mediated Efficient and Safe Gene Transfer of Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor to Mouse Lungs.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV) are an important tool for lung targeted gene therapy. Substitution of tyrosine with phenylalanine residues (Y-F) in the capsid have been shown to protect the AAV vector from ubiquitin/proteasome degradation, increasing transduction efficiency. We tested the mutant Y733F-AAV8 vector for mucus diffusion, as well as the safety and efficacy of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) gene transfer to the lung. METHODS: For this purpose, Y733F-AAV8-PEDF (1010 viral genome) was administered intratracheally to C57BL/6 mice. Lung mechanics, morphometry, and inflammation were evaluated 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after injection. RESULTS: The tyrosine-mutant AAV8 vector was efficient at penetrating mucus in ex vivo assays and at transferring the gene to lung cells after in vivo instillation. Increased levels of transgene mRNA were observed 28 days after vector administration. Overexpression of PEDF did not affect in vivo lung parameters. CONCLUSION: These findings provide a basis for further development of Y733F-AAV8-based gene therapies for safe and effective delivery of PEDF, which has anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities and might be a promising therapy for lung inflammatory disorders.

Mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: current status and future perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Although there has been extensive research on mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), treatment remains mainly supportive. Recent studies and new ventilatory modes have been proposed to manage patients with ARDS; however, the clinical impact of these strategies remains uncertain and not clearly supported by guidelines. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview and update on ventilatory management for patients with ARDS. AREAS COVERED: This article reviews the literature regarding mechanical ventilation in ARDS. A comprehensive overview of the principal settings for the ventilator parameters involved is provided as well as a report on the differences between controlled and assisted ventilation. Additionally, new modes of assisted ventilation are presented and discussed. The evidence concerning rescue strategies, including recruitment maneuvers and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, is analyzed. PubMed, EBSCO, and the Cochrane Library were searched up until June 2023, for relevant literature. EXPERT OPINION: Available evidence for mechanical ventilation in cases of ARDS suggests the use of a personalized mechanical ventilation strategy. Although promising, new modes of assisted mechanical ventilation are still under investigation and guidelines do not recommend rescue strategies as the standard of care. Further research on this topic is required.