Affiliation:
1. Krasnov Research Institute of Eye Diseases
Abstract
The meibomian glands, by producing a lipid-rich secretion (meibum), are involved in the formation of the lipid layer of the tear film, preventing its evaporation and ensuring the maintenance of ocular surface homeostasis. Meibomian gland dysfunction is a common disease. Numerous clinical studies have pointed to involvement of the meibomian glands in a number of systemic diseases, including diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia provokes the development of oxidative stress and metabolic disorders, leading to changes in the anatomical and functional state of the breast, which affects the qualitative and quantitative composition of the secretion. Instrumental methods of meibomian glands assessment reflect their morphofunctional state, and chemo-analytical study of the meibum can serve as a reflection of anatomical and physiological changes of the glands. Proteomic technologies are promising methods for studying the composition of the meibomian glands secretion, allowing us to determine the patterns of changes in the chemical composition of the meibum in patients with diabetes mellitus to detect early signs of the disease and prevent the development of complications.