Branched-chain fatty acids, increased in tears of blepharitis patients, are not toxic for conjunctival cells
British Journal of Ophthalmology. 2009-06-10; 93(10): 1391-1395
DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2008.156356
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1. Br J Ophthalmol. 2009 Oct;93(10):1391-5. doi: 10.1136/bjo.2008.156356. Epub 2009
Jun 10.
Branched-chain fatty acids, increased in tears of blepharitis patients, are not
toxic for conjunctival cells.
Joffre C(1), Souchier M, Leclere L, Buteau B, Grégoire S, Lizard G, Montange T,
Acar N, Bron A, Creuzot-Garcher C, Diebold Y, Bretillon L.
Author information:
(1)Eye and Nutrition Research Group, UMR 1129 FLAVIC, INRA, Dijon, France.
AIM: The composition of the meibum of blepharitis patients is characterised by
increased levels of branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) that return to normal
values in patients treated with cyclins and lid hygiene. The aim of this study
was to determine if BCFAs had toxic effects on conjunctival cells related to the
disease.
METHODS: Chang and IOBA-NHC conjunctival human cells were treated with BCFAs
(isoC16 and isoC20) or palmitic acid as a control for 4 h or 24 h at 50 microM or
100 microM. Morphological and functional changes were investigated by measuring
mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, cell permeability, mitochondrial
depolarisation, chromatin condensation, IL-1beta and reactive oxygen species
production.
RESULTS: None of the fatty acids modified the parameters of cytotoxicity in
conjunctival cells in Chang or IOBA-NHC cell lines. Only the mitochondrial
dehydrogenase activity was significantly decreased in relation to the isoC20
concentration increase.
CONCLUSIONS: The increase in BCFAs in the tears of blepharitis patients does not
consistently participate in the conjunctival cell changes throughout the course
of the disease. Instead, it is likely an adaptive response of the ocular surface
to the lack of tears, possibly increasing meibum fluidity, thus enhancing
lacrimal film stability.
DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2008.156356
PMID: 19520694 [Indexed for MEDLINE]