In vitro effects of benzalkonium chloride and prostaglandins on human meibomian gland epithelial cells.

Ann Anat

Department of Anatomy II, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstraße 19, Erlangen, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, Mainz, Germany. Electronic address:

Published: March 2019

Purpose: Benzalkonium chloride is the most widely used preservative in ophthalmic topical solutions. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of BAC as a single substance or as a component of several commercially available ophthalmic solutions on meibomian gland epithelial cells in vitro.

Materials And Methods: An immortalized human meibomian gland epithelial cell line (HMGEC) was used and cells were cultured in the absence or presence of fetal bovine serum to assess cell morphology, cell proliferation, cell viability (MTS assay) and impedance sensing (ECIS) after stimulation with BAC. Further, the viability of HMGECs stimulated with BAC-containing and BAC-free bimatoprost, travoprost and latanoprost was evaluated using the MTS assay. Real-time PCR analysis for hyperkeratinization associated genes (cornulin, involucrin) was performed.

Results: In the absence of serum, the proliferation rate of HMGECs decreased starting with 0.1μg/ml BAC. At concentrations of 50μg/ml BAC and higher, cell viability was reduced after 10min exposure with a corresponding change in cell morphology. Toxicity of BAC-containing ophthalmic solutions was greater than that of BAC alone, whereas BAC-free alternative products did not significantly influence cell viability. Confluence, cell-cell contacts and serum-containing medium appeared to facilitate HMGECs survival. Expression rate of involucrin and cornulin declined after exposure to preserved bimatoprost and BAC.

Conclusions: BAC showed cytotoxic effects on HMGECs starting with a concentration of 0.1μg/ml. The combination of BAC and prostaglandin-analogs might have a synergistic effect which results in higher toxicity than BAC alone. Unpreserved eye drops and eye drops preserved with Polyquaternium-1 are less damaging to HMGECs.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aanat.2018.12.003DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

meibomian gland
12
gland epithelial
12
cell viability
12
benzalkonium chloride
8
human meibomian
8
epithelial cells
8
bac
8
ophthalmic solutions
8
cell morphology
8
mts assay
8

Similar Publications

Background: Contact lens discomfort (CLD) is a common problem for CL wearers, and patients with CLD often have changes in meibomian gland function and structure. In a Phase 2 trial AZR-MD-001 0.5% (AZR) ophthalmic ointment improved meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in non-lens wearers.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Dry eye disease (DED) has become increasingly prevalent in the digital era, largely due to prolonged screen exposure. The excessive use of digital devices contributes to inappropriate blink frequency and dynamics, leading to ocular surface dryness and discomfort. Additionally, digital screen use has broader implications for systemic health, including visual strain, headaches, and disrupted circadian rhythms caused by blue light exposure.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effect of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment on meibomian gland disease.

Settings And Design: This is a prospective interventional study.

Methods: Seventy eyes of patients with dry eye disease undergoing three sessions of IPL therapy, 15 days apart, were included.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Ocular infections can harm the eye's anatomic structure on numerous levels. They are a global health issue. Endophthalmitis, a serious complication following cataract surgery, can result in substantial ocular morbidity and vision loss despite the administration of antibiotics.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Caffeine's protective role in dry eye disease and meibomian gland Dysfunction: Insights from clinical and Experimental models.

Int Immunopharmacol

December 2024

Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. Electronic address:

Purpose: Inflammation and apoptosis contribute to the development of dry eye disease (DED) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This study aimed to investigate the effect of caffeine on the ocular surface and tear inflammatory cytokines through clinical, in vivo, and in vitro experiments.

Methods: In the clinical study, comprehensive ophthalmic examinations of participants in the control and the caffeine groups were compared, including ocular surface and tears inflammatory cytokines.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!