Article
Ophthalmology
Igor A. Butovich, Tomo Suzuki
Summary: The study found that chronological aging itself seems to have only minor effect on meibogenesis in healthy, non-MGD/non-DE subjects.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Igor A. Butovich, Amber Wilkerson, Seher Yuksel
Summary: The main function of exocrine Meibomian glands is to produce a lipid-rich secretion called meibum which plays a critical role in maintaining the ocular surface homeostasis. Aging leads to dysregulation of lipid metabolism in these glands, resulting in changes in the composition and quantity of meibum. This study identified lipid markers of aging in a mouse model.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Hui Gao, Hua Chen, Hua-Tao Xie, Kang-Kang Xu, Bing-Jie Shi, Yu-Kan Huang
Summary: This study compared the lipid components of meibum in patients with Demodex infection, finding significant increase of OAHFAs in the Demodex-positive group, suggesting a potential association with the progress of ocular Demodex infections.
TRANSLATIONAL VISION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
A. Igor Butovich, Amber Wilkerson, Seher Yuksel
Summary: Exocrine Meibomian glands produce meibum containing various lipids which play a central role in ocular surface physiology. The study demonstrates that dietary cholesterol can be directly incorporated into meibum, while triacylglycerols undergo extensive catabolic transformations before reaching the glands. These findings highlight the direct impact of dietary lipids on Meibomian glands and ocular surface lipid homeostasis.
JOURNAL OF STEROID BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Kofi Asiedu
Summary: Meibomian gland dysfunction is the leading cause of dry eye disease worldwide, and it involves the alteration of various molecules, necessitating the use of multiple biomarkers for monitoring, prediction, diagnosis, and risk assessment.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Igor A. Butovich, Seher Yuksel, Amber Wilkerson
Summary: Exocrine meibomian glands (MGs) are important for ocular physiology and biochemistry by producing a secretion called meibum, which is composed of various lipids. Recent experiments with mouse models show that inactivation of key genes related to meibogenesis leads to changes in meibum composition and ocular abnormalities. The role of dietary lipids in meibogenesis and ocular pathologies is still controversial.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fredrik Fineide, Xiangjun Chen, Thomas Bjellaas, Valeria Vitelli, Tor Paaske Utheim, Janicke Liaaen Jensen, Hilde Kanli Galtung
Summary: The study revealed significant differences in the lipidomic profiles of saliva and tears in pSS patients compared to healthy controls, with individual lipid species in stimulated saliva showing similarities to glandular biopsies. This opens up intriguing avenues for further research and may lead to innovative diagnostic methodologies and treatment modalities for alleviating pSS-related sicca symptoms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Safal Khanal, William Ngo, Kelly K. Nichols, Landon Wilson, Stephen Barnes, Jason J. Nichols
Summary: This study identified differential expression of specific (O-acyl)-omega-hydroxy fatty acids (OAHFAs) in meibum and tears in individuals with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The results suggest that OAHFAs play a role in the altered biochemical profile of the tear film lipid layer in humans with MGD.
Article
Ophthalmology
Qin Yang, Bing Li, Minjie Sheng
Summary: The study aimed to analyze and compare the composition of meibum between type 2 diabetics with DED and control subjects. Results showed that T2DM can influence the expression of meibum lipids to exacerbate DED and MGD. Lower levels of TG, WE and OAHFA, higher levels of CE and PLs were observed in meibum lipids of T2DM patients with DED.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Dong Hao Wang, Hui Gyu Park, Zhen Wang, R. J. Scott Lacombe, Vadim V. Shmanai, Andrei Bekish, Karsten Schmidt, Mikhail S. Shchepinov, J. Thomas Brenna
Summary: This study introduces a novel method for quantitatively determining the deuterium content along a hydrocarbon chain. By utilizing deuteration reactions and analysis techniques, the method enables accurate quantification of deuterium abundance at different positions of D-HUFA.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Igor A. Butovich, Amber Wilkerson, Seher Yuksel
Summary: Research shows that inactivation of the Soat1 gene leads to cessation of CE biosynthesis, resulting in Chl becoming the main component of meibum, which causes dry eye and Meibomian gland dysfunction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lucie Kyselova, Milada Vitova, Tomas Rezanka
Summary: This review focuses on the analysis and occurrence of very long chain fatty acids, discussing their biosynthesis and the role of ELOVL4 protein. The chemical, biochemical, and biological properties of these compounds are yet to be fully explored.
PROGRESS IN LIPID RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Igor A. Butovich, Amber Wilkerson
Summary: Meibomian glands and their holocrine secretion play crucial roles in eye physiology. The deterioration of the glands with aging leads to a loss of protective properties. The molecular mechanisms of meibum biosynthesis are not fully understood but critical genes and specific cell populations have been identified.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amber Wilkerson, Nita Bhat, Hoang Quoc Hai Pham, Seher Yuksel, Igor Butovich
Summary: The study reveals the significant role of ELOVL3 gene in ocular physiology and biochemistry, with the loss of Elovl3 gene leading to damage to meibomian glands and conjunctiva. Transcriptome analysis of mutant mice showed changes in genes related to lipid biosynthesis, inflammation, and stress response compared to wild-type controls. Additionally, the loss of Elovl3 gene resulted in a lower melting temperature of meibum, accumulation of lipid material and tears around the eye, and severe ocular inflammation.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Douglas J. Melo, Eliane O. Borges, Daiane Szczerbowski, Diogo M. Vidal, Stefan Schulz, Paulo H. G. Zarbin
Summary: A previously unknown active compound was discovered in the scent glands of the Heliconius erato phyllis butterfly. This compound, named phyllisolide, acts as an anti-aphrodisiac pheromone, repelling other butterflies.