Effects of free fatty acids on meibomian lipid films. 2011

Juan C Arciniega, and Erfan J Nadji, and Igor A Butovich
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX 75390-9057, USA.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of free fatty acids (FFA), namely oleic (OA) and linoleic (LA) ones, on meibomian lipid films (MLF) using a Langmuir trough (LT) and a Brewster angle microscope (BAM). Human meibum was collected from healthy volunteers. A Tris-buffered saline (TBS, pH 7.4) was used as the control aqueous subphase for LT experiments. Then, varying amounts of OA and LA were dissolved in TBS to make FFA-containing subphases. Predetermined amounts of meibum were loaded onto the surface of the (TBS/±FFA) subphases to form MLF. Then, surface pressure-area (π/A) isotherms of MLF were recorded. Standard rheological parameters such as rigidity, elasticity, and hysteresis, were computed. In a separate experiment, OA and LA were pre-mixed with meibum at different weight ratios prior their spreading onto the control TBS subphase, and the (π/A) isotherms of the resulting mixed films of meibum and FFA were studied and analyzed in the same fashion as described above. When studied at the normal corneal temperature of 34 °C with the (TBS/-FFA) subphase, meibum formed stable films. When (TBS/+FFA) subphase was used, both FFA quickly disrupted the MLF, acting in a similar fashion. BAM revealed that the most dramatic changes in the structure of MLF occurred in the range of OA concentrations between 5 and 15 μM. However, this effect was apparent even with 2.5 μM OA. When OA was pre-mixed with meibum, but was absent from the subphase, it caused gradual concentration-dependent changes in the (π/A) isotherms, but the MLF did not disappear from the surface. Thus, tested FFA showed a remarkable ability to disrupt, and/or prevent the formation of, human MLF, which could contribute to the onset of those forms of dry eye disease that are associated with enhanced activity of lipolytic enzymes, such as chronic blepharitis.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008055 Lipids A generic term for fats and lipoids, the alcohol-ether-soluble constituents of protoplasm, which are insoluble in water. They comprise the fats, fatty oils, essential oils, waxes, phospholipids, glycolipids, sulfolipids, aminolipids, chromolipids (lipochromes), and fatty acids. (Grant & Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, 5th ed) Lipid
D008537 Meibomian Glands The sebaceous glands situated on the inner surface of the eyelids between the tarsal plates and CONJUNCTIVA. Glandulae Tarsales,Tarsal Glands,Gland, Meibomian,Gland, Tarsal,Meibomian Gland,Tarsal Gland
D009093 Mucus The viscous secretion of mucous membranes. It contains mucin, white blood cells, water, inorganic salts, and exfoliated cells.
D002851 Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid Liquid chromatographic techniques which feature high inlet pressures, high sensitivity, and high speed. Chromatography, High Performance Liquid,Chromatography, High Speed Liquid,Chromatography, Liquid, High Pressure,HPLC,High Performance Liquid Chromatography,High-Performance Liquid Chromatography,UPLC,Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography,Chromatography, High-Performance Liquid,High-Performance Liquid Chromatographies,Liquid Chromatography, High-Performance
D004305 Dose-Response Relationship, Drug The relationship between the dose of an administered drug and the response of the organism to the drug. Dose Response Relationship, Drug,Dose-Response Relationships, Drug,Drug Dose-Response Relationship,Drug Dose-Response Relationships,Relationship, Drug Dose-Response,Relationships, Drug Dose-Response
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013058 Mass Spectrometry An analytical method used in determining the identity of a chemical based on its mass using mass analyzers/mass spectrometers. Mass Spectroscopy,Spectrometry, Mass,Spectroscopy, Mass,Spectrum Analysis, Mass,Analysis, Mass Spectrum,Mass Spectrum Analysis,Analyses, Mass Spectrum,Mass Spectrum Analyses,Spectrum Analyses, Mass
D013666 Tears The fluid secreted by the lacrimal glands. This fluid moistens the CONJUNCTIVA and CORNEA. Meibomian Lipids,Meibum,Lipid, Meibomian,Meibomian Lipid,Tear
D050356 Lipid Metabolism Physiological processes in biosynthesis (anabolism) and degradation (catabolism) of LIPIDS. Metabolism, Lipid
D019301 Oleic Acid An unsaturated fatty acid that is the most widely distributed and abundant fatty acid in nature. It is used commercially in the preparation of oleates and lotions, and as a pharmaceutical solvent. (Stedman, 26th ed) 9-Octadecenoic Acid,Oleate,cis-9-Octadecenoic Acid,9 Octadecenoic Acid,cis 9 Octadecenoic Acid

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