Surfactant Proteins SP-A and SP-D and Conventional Risk Factors for Chronic Noncommunicable Human Diseases

Surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-D, members of the type C collagen-containing lectin family, are used as diagnostic and prognostic markers for many acute and chronic diseases of the bronchopulmonary system. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of conventional risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases on the level of surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-D through a system-structural analysis based on current publications from international databases and official WHO reports. Based on the results of the analytical review, it is concluded that widespread expression of SP-A and SP-D have been documented in numerous studies, and, although the lung remains the main site of the synthesis of surfactant protein, they can be expected to have a significant influence on the immune and inflammatory response in many organs and tissues. The authors note that a number of extrapulmonary effects of these proteins are known. However, many mechanisms of additional cellular effects of SP-A and SP-D outside the bronchopulmonary system still remain unexplored, which indicates the promise of further research in this area.