Abstract
PurposeRelationships between tear film lipid (TFL) layer composition, structure, and function could provide insight into the etiology of dry eye. The molar ratio of cholesteryl ester (CE)/wax ester (WE) was measured in meibum from normal donors (Mn) and compared with meibum from donors with meibomian gland dysfunction (MMGD).MethodsCE/WE was measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.ResultsCE/WE was distributed into two populations with 81% distributed near 0.55 and 19% near 0.3. CE/WE were higher in donors 13 to 19 years old compared with donors 1 to 12 years old and 20 to 88 years old. CE/WE for MMGD was 30% lower, 0.34 ± 0.04, compared with Mn, 0.49 ± 0.04. There were no sex differences in CE/WE. There were no significant racial differences between the CE/WE ratios for Asians and Caucasians. The CE/WE ratio was higher for blacks and lower for Hispanics compared to Caucasians. Due to the small number sampled, confirmation of the later racial results is needed. The packing of CE and WE in the TFL layer was proposed.ConclusionsAlthough MMGD contains much less CE than Mn, factors other than the CE content, such as the levels of saturation and/or proteins, may be responsible for the higher order of MMGD. In addition to saturation, CE could contribute to the increase in order of Mn between 0 and 20 years of age. Observed changes in the meibum content of CE alone is not likely to influence tear film stability.
Highlights
Relationships between tear film lipid (TFL) layer composition, structure, and function could provide insight into the etiology of dry eye
cholesteryl ester (CE)/wax ester (WE) were higher in donors 13 to 19 years old compared with donors 1 to 12 years old and 20 to 88 years old
CE/WE for meibomian gland dysfunction (MMGD) was 30% lower, 0.34 6 0.04, compared with meibum from normal donors (Mn), 0.49 6 0.04
Summary
CE/WE was measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. MaterialsCDCl3 and d-hexane were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich Corp. Donors were grouped into three cohorts: Cn500, donors without dry eye who donated meibum that was analyzed previously (Mn500) using a 500-mHz NMR; CMGD500, donors with MGD who donated meibum that was analyzed previously[23] (MMGD500) using a 500-mHz NMR; and Cn700, donors without dry eye who donated meibum that was analyzed using a 700-mHz NMR (Mn700)
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