Induction of meibocyte differentiation by three-dimensional, matrigel culture of immortalized human meibomian gland epithelial cells to form acinar organoids.

Purpose: Recent studies have shown that two-dimensional (2D) culture of primary rabbit and immortalized human meibomian gland epithelial cells (iHMGEC) do not recapitulate normal meibocyte differentiation and fail to express critical enzymes necessary for synthesis of meibum lipids. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that 3D-spheroid culture of iHMGEC can facilitate meibocyte differentiation and induce the expression of acyl-CoA wax-alcohol acyltransferase 2 (AWAT2), shown to be required for synthesis of meibum wax esters.

Methods: iHMGEC were suspended in matrigel/basement membrane matrix and grown in proliferation media to form distinct cell clusters or spheroids.

Lobeglitazone attenuates fibrosis in corneal fibroblasts by interrupting TGF-beta-mediated Smad signaling.

Purpose: Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is an important cytokine released after ocular surface injury to promote wound healing. However, its persistence at the injury site triggers a fibrotic response that leads to corneal scarring and opacity. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) ligands used to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism in the management of type 2 diabetes.

AMPK Activation by 5-Amino-4-Imidazole Carboxamide Riboside-1-β-D-Ribofuranoside Attenuates Alkali Injury-Induced Corneal Fibrosis.

Purpose: Increased TGF-β1 synthesis after corneal alkali injury is implicated in corneal fibrosis, as it promotes transdifferentiation of keratocytes into myofibroblasts. The activation of 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) by 5-amino-4-imidazole carboxamide riboside-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) inhibits TGF-β1-induced fibrosis in other cell types. We investigated the antifibrotic effect of AICAR in corneal fibroblasts after alkali injury.

Critical Role of mTORC2-Akt Signaling in TGF-β1-Induced Myofibroblast Differentiation of Human Pterygium Fibroblasts.

Purpose: Profibrotic activation is essential for pterygium development. In this study, we investigated the role of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) in regulating TGF-β1-induced myofibroblastic responses in human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs) and elucidated the relative contributions of mTOR signaling components.

Methods: HPFs were pretreated with the mTOR inhibitors rapamycin and Torin2, and TGF-β1-induced expression of profibrotic markers, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin, was evaluated.

A PPAR-Gamma Agonist Rosiglitazone Suppresses Fibrotic Response in Human Pterygium Fibroblasts by Modulating the p38 MAPK Pathway.

Purpose: Fibroblast activation may play an important role in pterygium progression. Synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) ligands have been shown to be effective antifibrotic agents against transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) induced fibrosis in several tissues. We aimed to investigate the antifibrotic effects of the PPAR-γ ligand rosiglitazone in pterygium fibroblasts and the underlying mechanisms.

Potential therapeutic effect of alkaline reduced water in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine-metabolic disorder characterized by hormonal disturbances including hyperandrogenemia, insulin resistance, and hyperinsulinemia culminating into obesity, multiple ovarian cysts and anovulatory infertility in women. There has been no effective medication against PCOS and its complication. However, weight loss can reduce insulin resistance, which in turn helps to restore hormonal balance and ovulation resulting to improved fertility.