TLDR Meibomian glands are highly specialized and differ significantly from other sebaceous glands in structure and function.
The study compared human meibomian glands (MGs), free sebaceous glands (SGs), and hair-associated SGs using biomarkers, secretion composition, and gland morphology. MGs, found in the eyelids, have distinct lipid profiles and larger lipid droplets compared to other SGs. Immunohistochemical analysis showed different expression patterns of cytokeratins and other markers. Lipidomic analysis from 14 volunteers identified 403 lipid analytes, revealing that meibum is compositionally distinct from sebum. Structural differences were highlighted through three-dimensional reconstructions, showing MGs have more glandular acini. These findings enhance understanding of gland physiology and could inform treatments for MG-associated diseases.
13 citations
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December 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Sebaceous glands in our skin, developing during pregnancy and active in puberty, produce sebum for skin lubrication, temperature control, and fighting germs, also help in hormone regulation, and their dysfunction can cause conditions like acne and hair loss.
97 citations
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September 2016 in “Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders” The sebaceous gland has more roles than just producing sebum and contributing to acne, and new research could lead to better skin disease treatments.
85 citations
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September 2013 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” Keratin 15 is not a reliable sole marker for identifying epidermal stem cells because it's found in various cell types.
1398 citations
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May 2008 in “Histochemistry and Cell Biology” Keratins are crucial for cell stability, wound healing, and cancer diagnosis.
121 citations
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December 2001 in “American Journal of Dermatopathology” TB and BCC tumors show similar follicular differentiation patterns.
October 2018 in “Springer eBooks” The document concludes that various hair disorders have different treatments, including medication, surgery, and addressing underlying causes.
30 citations
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April 2018 in “Experimental Dermatology” The article concludes that developing in vitro models for human hair structures is important for research and reducing animal testing, but there are challenges like obtaining suitable samples and the models' limitations.
