Meibomian glands secrete lipid-rich meibum, which prevents tear evaporation. Aging-related Meibomian gland shrinkage may result in part from stem cell exhaustion and is associated with evaporative dry eye disease, a common condition lacking effective treatment. The identities and niche of Meibomian gland stem cells and the signals controlling their activity are poorly defined. Using snRNA-seq, in vivo lineage tracing, ex vivo live imaging, and genetic studies in mice, we identified markers for stem cell populations that maintain distinct regions of the gland and uncovered Hh signaling as a key regulator of stem cell proliferation. Consistent with this, human Meibomian gland carcinoma exhibited increased Hh signaling. Aged glands displayed decreased Hh and EGF signaling, deficient innervation, and loss of collagen I in niche fibroblasts, indicating that alterations in both glandular epithelial cells and their surrounding microenvironment contribute to age-related degeneration. These findings suggest new approaches to treat aging-associated Meibomian gland loss.
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.
Department of Ophthalmology, Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, FL, United States; Pathology and Cell Biology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.
Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical Ivermectin- Metronidazol in the management of demodex infestation and their effect in Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) METHODS: Fifty-four patients (108 eyes) with demodex diagnosis and Meibomian gland dysfunction received Ivermectin 0.3 %+Metronidazole 0.5 % gel in the night for 5 weeks.
Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA. Electronic address:
It is widely recognized that the glycocalyx has significant implications in regulating the self-renewal and differentiation of adult stem cells; however, its composition remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the fucose-binding Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL) binds differentially to basal cells in the stratified epithelium of the human limbus, hair follicle epithelium, and meibomian gland duct. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting in combination with single-cell transcriptomics, we find that most epithelial progenitor cells and melanocytes in the limbus display low AAL staining (AAL) on their cell surface, an attribute that is gradually lost in epithelial cells as they differentiate into mature corneal cells.
Aim: To explore whether unilateral herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) can cause morphological changes of bilateral meibomian glands (MGs) based on artificial intelligence (AI) analytical system.
Methods: In the retrospective study, 29 patients with unilateral HSK and 29 participants matched in terms of age and sex were included as control group. Meibographic images of the upper eyelid using Keratograph 5M and assessed ocular surface parameters including tear meniscus height and tear break-up time.
Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 3611002, Fujian Province, China.
Aim: To establish a stable, short-time, low-cost and reliable murine model of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Methods: A filter paper sheet soaked in 1.0 mol/L sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution was used to touch the eyelid margin of C57BL/6J mice for 10s to establish the model.
