Intermittent fasting ameliorates diabetes-induced meibomian gland dysfunction in mice

To investigate the effect of intermittent fasting (IF) on diabetes-induced meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in a mice model.

The diabetic mice underwent an 8-week dietary intervention of ad libitum (AL) and IF diet. Meibomian gland (MG) proliferative potential, apoptosis, and ductal hyperkeratinization were assessed using immunofluorescence. Gene expression levels were evaluated by Western blot. Lipid accumulation was observed via LipidTox staining. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examined intracellular lipids and mitochondrial ultrastructure in acinar cells. Lipidomic and transcriptomic analyses compared MG gene expression and lipid profiles between groups.

IF ameliorated diabetes-induced MGD. IF significantly improved diabetic MG proliferation, apoptosis and lipid metabolism imbalance, as well as improved the expression of the genes involved in lipid metabolism. Simultaneously, the results of lipidomics indicated that IF can effectively modify the types and content of lipids, especially ceramides and cholesterol esters. Transcriptomic results suggested that IF effectively ameliorated cell death and modulated ion channels signaling. IF could ameliorate cell death which might be mediated by the calcium ion signaling pathway to mitigate diabetes-induced MGD.

These results provide direct evidence for the feasibility of dietary intervention to improve diabetes-induced MGD. IF can alter MG lipid composition and inhibit apoptosis in diabetic condition. The underlying mechanism may be associated with calcium ion signaling pathway.