Exocrine Research Articles

A mammary gland secretion function exploratory study based on a quantitative comparison between milk and serum.

Lactation is a complex physiological process, and the knowledge about the secretion of many milk components is limited. The objective of this study was to explore the secretory function of human mammary glands through a comparative analysis of common clinical indicators in serum and milk. Milk and serum samples were collected from lactating women simultaneously, and titers of common biochemical components were determined using an automated biochemical analyzer. The differences between the levels of serum and milk components were analyzed using statistical software. There were significant biochemical differences between the milk and serum samples. Among the 46 biochemical components in the quantitative comparison, the titers or activities of nine milk constituents were significantly higher than those in serum, while 32 milk components were significantly lower than those in serum. Five constituents had significantly correlation between milk and serum. Overall, the individual differences in milk were significantly greater than those in serum. The differences between the levels of serum and milk components were assessed definitively, and some additional characteristic secretions from the human breast were also quantified, providing much more data for further research on the secretory function of the human breast.

Prenatal Histomorphological and Histochemical Study of Stomach in Indigenous Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The present study was designed to investigate the normal histological features of the stomach at the prenatal stage from ten healthy pregnant rabbits at the third period of pregnancy. The stomach appeared as J-shaped situated at the left part of the abdominal cavity. It found in the front part entirely within the rib. The non-glandular region act as a reservoir, the septa prevented ingesta reflux into the esophagus. Histologically the stomach in both periods composed of four tunics', which were mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa. The stomach also has different regions cardiac, fundic and pyloric regions, glands in the cardiac region were coiled branched tubular gland and almost present of the mucous cells with a few chief cells. In the fundic region the glands in this part were long and simple tubular. There are four secretory cell types: mucous cells, chief cells, parietal cells and endocrine cells, glands in the pyloric region were branched coiled tubular glands which opened at the pits of the pyloric part. The mucous-secreting cell always persists, the pyloric sphincter muscle found as thickened muscle in the pyloric duodenal junction. With PAS stain reaction gave a positive reaction for Cardiac and pyloric glands secretion which indicates the present of neutral mucopolysaccharides. In conclusion, it was found that the histomorphological features of the stomach in prenatal period embryos at the third stage of pregnancy of rabbit it was changed according to the age and food intake after birth.

Presence of Trypanosoma cruzi (TcI) in different tissues of Didelphis virginiana from the metropolitan area of Merida, southeastern Mexico: Epidemiological relevance and implications for non-vector transmission routes.

Trypanosoma cruzi is mainly transmitted to mammals by vectors, but other transmission routes exist. Opossums can harbor the infectious form of the parasite in their anal glands, underscoring their potential role in non-vectorial transmission. In Mexico, Didelphis virginiana and D. marsupialis are the main opossum species. While T. cruzi has been detected in the anal gland secretions of various opossum species, their infectivity has only been confirmed in D. marsupialis and D. albiventris. Vertical transmission has also been proposed in D. virginiana. However, if this occurs in opossums, it remains unclear whether it happens during pregnancy or lactation. Our objective was to investigate the possible contribution of urban opossums to non-vectorial transmission of T. cruzi in the metropolitan area of Merida, Yucatan, in southeastern Mexico. Blood, anal gland secretions, and milk were collected from opossums captured in Merida, Mexico, all identified as D. virginiana using taxonomic keys and Cytb sequencing. By PCR, T. cruzi was detected in 16/102 opossums (15.69%) in at least one type of sample. The prevalence was 14.71% (15/102) in blood and 0.98% (1/102) in anal gland secretions. 1/22 milk samples (4.55%) tested positive. Blood of 37 offspring from T. cruzi-positive mothers was collected and tested negative. qPCR revealed that females with offspring tended to have lower parasite load in blood compared to females without offspring and males. Genotyping of the parasite through multiplex PCR revealed only the DTU TcI. This study agrees with previous works where D. virginiana was the most abundant opossum species in urban areas in southeastern Mexico and confirms that it is associated with TcI. Detection of T. cruzi in a sample of anal gland secretions underscores the potential risk represented by D. virginiana in non-vectorial transmission in urban areas of southeastern Mexico. Detection in the milk of a lactating female, along with the observed tendency towards a lower parasite load in females with offspring, highlight the importance of further investigating vertical transmission in D. virginiana.

USO DA ISOTRETINOÍNA NO TRATAMENTO DE ACNE GRAU III: ABORDAGEM SOBRE RISCOS E BENEFÍCIOS.

Isotretinoin is a medication for the treatment of grade III acne vulgaris used orally that requires a special prescription. It acts to reduce the production of sebaceous gland secretions, reduce the size of the glands and their activity and also restrict the growth of acne. Despite being highly effective in its use, the medicine also has major adverse effects that can be harmful to the user and for this reason requires medical supervision.The objective of the study was to succinctly show the risks and benefits of using the drug. The research was constructed based on bibliographic reviews with quick searches of articles from the last 5 years that covered the topic in a broad way that clarified doubts.In-depth studies of the profiles of patients undergoing treatment with isotretinoin provides extremely important findings on the diversity of this population group. Investigating these profiles can reveal whether certain age groups or subtypes of acne respond differently to isotretinoin. It was found that the use of Isotretinoin is essential in the treatment of grade III acne, emphasizing the practice of a personalized approach due to the needs of each patient, highlighting its benefits and warning about its risks, especially in women of childbearing age.

European guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency: UEG, EPC, EDS, ESPEN, ESPGHAN, ESDO, and ESPCG evidence-based recommendations.

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is defined as a reduction in pancreatic exocrine secretion below the level that allows the normal digestion ofnutrients. Pancreatic disease and surgery are the main causes of PEI. However, other conditions and upper gastrointestinal surgery can also affect the digestive function of the pancreas. PEI can cause symptoms of nutritional malabsorption anddeficiencies, which affect the quality of life and increase morbidity and mortality. These guidelines were developed following the United European Gastroenterology framework for the development of high-quality clinical guidelines. After a systematic literature review, the evidence was evaluated according to the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology, as appropriate. Statements and comments were developed by the working groups and voted on using the Delphi method. The diagnosis of PEI should be based on a global assessment of symptoms, nutritional status, and a pancreatic secretion test. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), together with dietary advice and support, are the cornerstones of PEI therapy. PERT is indicated in patients with PEI that is secondary to pancreatic disease, pancreatic surgery, or other metabolic or gastroenterological conditions. Specific recommendations concerning the management of PEI under various clinical conditions are provided based on evidence and expert opinions. This evidence-based guideline summarizes the prevalence, clinical impact, and general diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for PEI, as well as the specifics of PEI in different clinical conditions. Finally, the unmet needs for future research are discussed.

Association Between Quantitative Sialoscintigraphy and Antibody Profiles in Patients With Sjögren or Sicca Syndrome.

This study analyzed the association between anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibody levels with quantitative and visual sialoscintigraphy patterns in patients suspected of having Sjögren or sicca syndrome. Medical records of patients who underwent sialoscintigraphy between April 2020 and May 2022 were reviewed. Associations between antibody levels and sialoscintigraphy parameters were evaluated using linear regression. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to identify antibody cutoff values for predicting flat-type patterns and the risk of Sjögren or sicca syndrome. Of the 170 patients (mean age, 56.6 years; 78.8% female), 95.3% had dry mouth and eyes, 30% experienced polyarthralgia, and 66.5% were prescribed hydroxychloroquine. The most common sialoscintigraphy finding was the median-type time-activity curve (TAC) pattern. Anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB levels were significantly correlated with maximum accumulation or maximum secretion in the salivary glands. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for anti-Ro/SSA predicting a flat-type TAC pattern showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.659 to 0.780, with specificity between 82.1% and 86.3% for antibody levels greater than 85.2 units. Anti-Ro/SSA levels greater than 49.75 units predicted a higher risk of Sjögren or sicca syndrome, with an AUC of 0.622 and 83.9% specificity. Anti-La/SSB levels had no significant predictive value, with an AUC of 0.554. Anti-Ro/SSA levels greater than 85.2 units were strong predictors of flat-type TAC patterns, indicating near-total salivary gland dysfunction and supporting their diagnostic utility in Sjögren or sicca syndrome.

Ivermectin 1% Combined With Intense Pulsed Light Treatment for Dry Eye Disease Secondary to Demodex Blepharitis.

To examine the safety and efficacy of combined treatment with topical ivermectin 1% and intense pulsed light (IPL) for dry eye disease (DED) secondary to demodex blepharitis. A retrospective review of medical files of patients treated at a private clinic specializing in DED between November 2022 and February 2024 was performed. Sixty-one patients aged 18 years or older with DED because of demodex blepharitis, who received the IPL and ivermectin 1% combination therapy, were included. IPL was applied to the periocular area 4 times at 2- to 3-week intervals, and ivermectin 1% once daily for 1 to 2 months. Both eyes (n = 122) of each patient were evaluated before and immediately after treatment cessation. Blepharitis, meibomian gland secretion, corneal staining, patient satisfaction, and overall clinical improvement were recorded. Mean age was 59.6 ± 17.6 years and 50.8% (n = 31) were males. Meibomian gland secretion grading improved significantly after treatment from 2.74 ± 0.63 to 1.63 ± 0.63 (P < 0.001). Blepharitis was eliminated after treatment in 77.0% of patients (23.0% after treatment vs. 100.0% before, P < 0.001). The patient satisfaction rate was moderate to high (range 0-2, mean 1.54 ± 0.60). Clinical improvement rate was moderate to high as well (range 0-2, mean 1.52 ± 0.50). No significant side effects were observed. The combined application of topical ivermectin and IPL to the facial area induced significant improvement of demodex blepharitis and meibomian gland secretion grading along with a high rate of patient satisfaction. Further randomized controlled double-blinded studies are needed.

Establishment of human minor salivary gland organoids in laminin-GelMA hydrogel from healthy individuals and Sjögren’s disease patients

Biopsies of human minor salivary glands (hMSGs), located beneath the oral mucosa, are crucial for a definitive clinical diagnosis of Sjögren’s Disease (SjD)。Although organoids from various exocrine glands have been cultured, organoids comprising the diverse cell types of hMSGs have not yet been successful. In this study, we established long-term cultures of hMSGs organoids derived from both healthy individuals and patients with SjD. The organoids, cultured in artificial laminin-GelMA hydrogel, retain distinct phenotypic and functional characteristics of the native glands, both when stimulated with neurotransmitters in vitro and upon transplantation in vivo. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that organoids from healthy individuals and from SjD patients exhibit unique phenotypic differences. Furthermore, treatment with tofacitinib enhanced the proliferation of patient organoids by inhibiting the JAK-STAT pathway, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for further investigation. Here, we derived organoids from healthy individuals as potential transplant material in regeneration medicine, and developed SjD hMSG organoids for use as a disease model for exploring SjD pathogenesis and developing therapeutic strategies.

Morphology of the head-associated exocrine glands in Cornitermes cumulans with the description of a novel gland for the worker caste

Morphology of the head-associated exocrine glands in Cornitermes cumulans with the description of a novel gland for the worker caste

A Rare Case of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Sjögren’s Syndrome

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a rare but significant complication in patients with primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS), a systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the exocrine glands. Cardiac involvement in pSS is uncommon, making the recognition of DCM in these patients crucial for timely intervention. This is a case of a 44-year-old female with well-controlled hypertension who developed progressively worsening shortness of breath, chest pain and bilateral pedal oedema. She also had a two-month history of dry eyes and dry mouth, indicative of sicca symptoms. Clinical examination revealed signs of fluid overload, a pansystolic murmur and sicca features. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography demonstrated severe left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 15%, consistent with DCM. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and positive anti-Ro52 and anti-La antibodies, pointing to an autoimmune aetiology. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) Imaging confirmed non ischaemic DCM, ruling out ischaemic causes. The patient was diagnosed with DCM secondary to pSS. She was treated with diuretics, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and immunosuppressive therapy, including methylprednisolone and a tapering course of prednisolone over six months. Significant clinical improvement was observed on follow-up. This case highlights the importance of recognising autoimmune aetiologies, such as pSS, in patients presenting with unexplained cardiomyopathy. Early diagnosis and interdisciplinary management are essential in preventing severe cardiac complications and improving patient outcomes in rare presentations of Sjögren-associated cardiomyopathy

Sensitivity of microflora of mammary gland secretion to antibiotics in mastitis in cats

Sensitivity of microflora of mammary gland secretion to antibiotics in mastitis in cats

Impact of risk factors for oral candidiasis in patients with Sjögren's syndrome

Background: Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the exocrine glands. The characteristics of this syndrome involve dysfunction and destruction of the exocrine glands, leading to oral manifestations. Patients with Sjogren's Syndrome are at a significantly higher risk of developing oral cavity diseases. Common oral manifestations found in Sjogren's Syndrome include sialadenitis, lichen planus, and salivary swelling. Material and Methods: The literature review was carried out in Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and Researchgate as well as various relevant sources with the keywords: “Oral Candidiasis", “Sjogren’s Syndrome", "Oral Cavity Lesions”, "Flow Saliva", and "Oral Health." Conclusion: In patients with Sjogren's Syndrome, the saliva flow tends to decrease, which can increase the risk of higher levels of Candida albicans bacteria, thereby raising the likelihood of developing Oral Candidiasis.

Therapeutic potential of interleukin-17 neutralization in a novel humanized mouse model of Sjögren’s disease

Sjögren’s disease (SjD) is a chronic autoimmune disease, in which the immune system targets exocrine glands and leads to dryness symptoms. There is an increasing need to develop novel therapeutic approach as the treatment plan has not been changed in the past decade. However, findings in mouse model may not be directly applied in patients, given the substantial differences of immune system between human and mice. In the present study, using antigens derived from human salivary A-253 cells, we established experimental Sjögren’s syndrome (ESS) in mice with human immune system (HIS). HIS-ESS mice exhibited key features of human disease, including salivary hypofunction, increased serum levels of autoantibodies and tissue destruction in the salivary glands. Phenotypic analysis revealed enhanced effector B and T cell subsets, including Th1, Th17 and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in HIS-ESS mice, while multiplex imaging analysis suggested enlarged B cell follicles and expanded memory B cells. IL-17 neutralization therapy significantly ameliorated disease pathology at both acute and chronic stages, in which B cells were mainly affected, to the less extent Th1 and Tfh cells in HIS-ESS mice. Together, HIS-ESS mouse model highly recapitulated SjD features and immunopathogenesis, which may serve as a useful tool in drug screening and pre-clinical studies.

Age-dependent self- and individual chemosensory discrimination in male Psammodromus algirus lizards is based on lipids and proteins from their scent

Self- and individual discrimination are needed to maintain social relationships. However the extent of precision of these abilities may depend on the social strategy of each individual, which may vary with ontogeny. Many animals use chemical cues to discriminate conspecifics. For example, many lizards use femoral gland secretions, which are composed of lipids and proteins, but it is not well known the role of each of these chemical classes in conspecific discrimination. We examined whether and how differences in age-dependent social strategies of male lizards Psammodromus algirus affect self- and individual chemosensory discrimination, and whether these are mediated by the lipid and/or protein fraction of femoral secretions. In this lizard species, there are two age categories of males that adopt alternative reproductive strategies; dominant and territorial “old” males and “young”, but reproductively mature, satellite-sneaker males. We examined chemosensory responses to separated lipid and protein fractions of femoral secretions. Both young and old males discriminated both their own lipids and proteins from those of conspecific males of their same age category. With respect to individual discrimination, only old males distinguished different unfamiliar old males based on their lipids alone, but not on proteins, while they do not discriminate between different individual young males. In contrast, young males do not show individual discrimination in any case. Therefore, our results show age-related differences in chemical social discrimination abilities in male P. algirus lizards that could be explained by their different age-dependent social strategies.

Sympathetic Nerves, Salivary Secretion, and the Parched Mouth of Fear: Unraveling Historical Perspectives on Persistent Contradiction in Physiology Textbooks.

We have observed two starkly contradictory notions regarding the sympathetic influence on the salivary outflow in discussions with our students. Most of them believe that sympathetic nerves decrease salivation and are antagonistic to parasympathetic nerves. Some students, however, show awareness of the cooperative stimulatory action of both types of autonomic fibers. We have found a similar dichotomy in the descriptions of the sympathetic effect on secretion of the main salivary glands and their inconsistent illustrations in Anatomy/Physiology textbooks. We have investigated the historical roots of this discrepancy. Ludwig discovered excitatory actions of both parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves on salivary flow by 1856. The next year, Czermak proposed the hypothesis of an inhibitory effect of sympathetic nerves, observing their interference with salivation induced by the chorda tympani (i.e., parasympathetic) stimulation. Bernard and Eckhard soon confirmed Ludwig's findings, but Czermak's notion persisted because sympathetically evoked salivation was unstable and potentially abatable by glandular vasoconstriction. The salivary secretory response to moderate sympathetic nerve electrostimulation was reaffirmed by Langley who also discovered salivation in response to adrenaline injection at the beginning of the 20th century. A few years later, Cannon, on a purely theoretical basis, attributed the sensation of dry mouth occasionally associated with fear to hyposalivation induced by elevated sympathetic discharge. Despite subsequent researchers' inability to find unequivocal evidence of salivary flow reduction by sympathetic activation, Cannon's assumption gained acceptance in some textbooks. Most Anatomy/Physiology textbook authors, however, recognized the excitatory action of sympathetic nerves on salivary glands established by Ludwig and Bernard.

Efficacy and safety of AZR-MD-001 selenium sulfide ophthalmic ointment in adults with meibomian gland dysfunction over six months of treatment: A Phase 2, vehicle-controlled, randomized extension trial

PurposeTo determine the efficacy and safety of AZR-MD-001 (0.5 % and 1.0 %) ophthalmic ointment, relative to vehicle, over 3–6 months of treatment, in participants with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MethodsThis was a Phase 2, randomized, vehicle-controlled, multicenter extension clinical trial. Eligible participants were adults with MGD (meibomian gland secretion score (MGS) ≤12 out of 15 glands) who discontinued all other dry eye or MGD treatments. Participants were randomized 1:1:1 to apply AZR-MD-001 1.0 %, 0.5 %, or vehicle to the lower eyelids, twice weekly. Key exploratory endpoints included the least-squared mean difference between groups in the change from baseline in clinical signs (meibomian gland yielding score; MGYLS) and symptoms (Ocular Surface Disease Index; OSDI), at clinic visits at Month 4.5 and 6, and safety measures from 36 months. ResultsParticipants (66.5 % female) were randomized, at baseline, to AZR-MD-001 0.5 % (n = 82), 1.0 % (n = 83), or vehicle (n = 80). Statistically significant improvements, compared to vehicle, were observed at Month 6 in MGYLS for both AZR-MD-001 groups (0.5 % group: 1.9, 95 % CI 0.9 to 2.8, P = 0.002; 1.0 % group: 1.1, 95 % CI 0.2 to 2.1, P = 0.026), and in OSDI score for the 0.5 % group (−4.5, 95 % CI -8.0 to −0.9, P = 0.0135). The most common adverse events for AZR-MD-001 were application site pain, superficial punctate keratitis and eye pain; most were mild to moderate in severity, and decreased in incidence over time. ConclusionsAZR-MD-001 (0.5 %) was efficacious in treating signs and symptoms of MGD over six months, with a lower observed incidence of new adverse events over time.

Efficacy of indirect intense pulsed light irradiation on meibomian gland dysfunction: a randomized controlled study.

To investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of indirect intense pulsed light (IPL) irradiation on meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). A total of 60 MGD patients was included in this prospective randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 into two groups (3-mm group and 10-mm group) in which IPL was applied at distances from the lower eyelid margin of 3 and 10 mm, respectively. Both groups received three times treatment with 3-week interval. Meibomian gland yield secretion score (MGYSS), standard patient evaluation of eye dryness (SPEED) questionnaire, tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), and in vivo confocal microscopy were performed at baseline and after every treatment. After three IPL treatments, both groups had significant improvement in MGYSS (both P<0.05). The non-inferiority test showed that improvement in 10-mm group was not inferior to that in 3-mm group (P<0.001). In both groups, temporal regions of both upper and lower eyelids showed significant improvement in MGYSS. Scores of SPEED questionnaire in both groups declined significantly (both P<0.001) and changes of SPEED had no difference between two groups (P=0.57). Density of central corneal subepithelial nerves and TBUTs showed no statistically significant changes. The 3-mm group had improvement on corneal fluorescein staining (P=0.048) and meibomian gland morphology (acini wall thickness P=0.003, hyperreflective points P=0.024) while the 10-mm group had not. The efficacy of IPL indirect irradiation in improving meibomian gland secretion and alleviating dry eye symptoms remains unchanged with increase in treatment distance. IPL may primarily act on the functional improvement of the meibomian glands and corneal nerves.

Regulatory Effects of Copper on Ghrelin Secretion in Rat Fundic Glands.

Copper (Cu) is an effective additive in feed for promoting growth. Growth dan axis comprising growth hormone (GH), somatostatin (SS) and GH-releasing hormone (GHRH), with ghrelin regulating their release. The growth-promoting effects of Cu are closely related to ghrelin, but the specific mechanism behind the relationship remains unknown. We investigated the adjustment of ghrelin synthesis and secretion by Cu. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed basal diets with an addition of 0, 120 or 240 mg/kg Cu sulfate for 28 day to establish a growth-promoting model. Signalling molecules relevant to ghrelin synthesis and secretion were detected and mechanistically explored using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The 120 mg/kg supplement improved growth performance; significantly increased the serum levels of ghrelin, ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT), acylated ghrelin (AG), GH, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased those of SS; significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of ghrelin, GOAT, ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1α), and activator protein 1 (AP-1); increased the phosphorylation ratio of JNK and p38 MAPK; and inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of SS and SS receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2) in gastric fundic gland tissues. Thus, Cu may affect gastric ghrelin synthesis at the transcriptional level by activating the JNK/p38 MAPK pathway through increased ROS levels and regulating the activation of the downstream redox-sensitive transcription factor AP-1. SS plays a crucial determinant role in ghrelin regulation via intragastric Cu. Cu promotes GOAT activity and ghrelin secretion by inhibiting SS secretion, affecting AG levels, and promoting ghrelin acylation through ghrelin/GOAT/GHS-R1α system, modulating ghrelin secretion.

Analysis pipeline to quantify uterine gland structural variations.

Technical advances in whole tissue imaging and clearing have allowed 3D reconstruction of exocrine uterine glands deep-seated in the endometrium. However, there are limited gland structure analysis platforms to analyze these imaging data sets. Here, we present a pipeline for segmenting and analyzing uterine gland shape. Using our segmentation methodology, we derive metrics to describe gland length, shape, and branching patterns. We then quantify gland behavior with respect to organization around the embryo and proximity of each gland to the uterine lumen. We apply this image analysis pipeline to uterine glands at the peri-implantation time points of a mouse pregnancy. Our analysis reveals that at the time of embryo or egg entry into the uterus, glands show changes in length, tortuosity, and proximity to the uterine lumen while gland branch number stays the same. Eventually, these shape changes aid in reorganization of the glands around the embryo implantation site. We further apply our analysis pipeline to human and guinea pig uterine glands, extending feasibility to other mammalian species. This work serves as a resource for researchers to extract quantitative and reproduciblemorphological features from three-dimensional uterine gland images to reveal insights about functional and structural patterns.

Evaluation of ocular surface inflammation and systemic conditions in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the association of ocular surface inflammation with systemic conditions in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsThe study enrolled 30 SLE patients and 30 controls. Ocular symptoms were evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Tear samples from all participants were collected for tear multi-cytokine and chemokine concentration analysis. All participants were assessed for dry eye disease (DED), including Schirmer I test, tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), meibomian gland secretion (MGS), lid-parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF), corneal clarity, and symblepharon. Besides, all participants were also examined for conjunctival impression cytology to measure the density of conjunctival goblet cells (CGCs). The peripheral blood indicators from SLE patients were also collected to measure the SLE-associated autoantibody specificities and systemic inflammatory indicators. Pearson and Spearman’s analysis were uesd to examine the correlation between tear cytokines, CGCs, DED-related indicators, and systemic conditions.ResultsThe two groups were matched for age and gender in this study. 36.67% of eyes (11 in 30) of SLE patients and 13.33% of eyes (4 in 30) of controls were diagnosed with DED. OSDI scores, abnormal TBUT percentages, CFS percentages, and DED grading were all higher in SLE patients than in control group, while density of CGCs was lower. There were no significant differences in Schirmer I test, MGS, LIPCOF, corneal clarity, and symblepharon between SLE patients and controls. The levels of tear chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 11 (CXCL11) and cytokine interleukin-7 (IL-7) in patients with SLE were significantly higher than those in control group. Moreover, among SLE patients, the severity of DED and the level of tear chemokine CXCL11 were significantly positively correlated with SLE-associated autoantibody specificities.ConclusionDry eye and tear cytokines and chemokines-mediated ocular surface inflammation persist in SLE patients and are associated with systemic conditions. Therefore, it is necessary for patients with SLE to combine systemic and ocular assessments.