Changes in Meibum Lipid Composition With Ocular Demodex Infestation

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Lipidomics
• Microbiology

Background:

• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common condition affecting the eye's lipid layer.
• Ocular Demodex infestation is increasingly recognized as a factor in eye conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of Demodex infection on the lipid composition of meibum.
• To compare lipid profiles in patients with and without Demodex and MGD.

Main Methods:

• Meibum samples were collected from four groups: Demodex-negative/non-MGD, Demodex-positive/non-MGD, Demodex-negative/MGD, and Demodex-positive/MGD.
• Lipid analysis was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

Main Results:

• Demodex-positive groups showed altered levels of various lipids, including phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, and sphingomyelins.
• Notably, (O-acyl)-ω-hydroxy fatty acids (OAHFAs) were significantly increased in Demodex-positive individuals.
• Specific lipid changes varied depending on the presence or absence of MGD.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to analyze meibum lipid changes in ocular Demodex infestation.
• Increased OAHFAs in Demodex-positive patients suggest a role in disease progression.
• (O-acyl)-ω-hydroxy fatty acids (OAHFAs) may serve as a novel therapeutic target for ocular Demodex.