Sex differences in lacrimal gland lesions in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model
Tingting Xu （ Clinical Medical College, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shangdong, 261021, China ）
Lingling Yang （ Corneal Disease Department, Shandong Ophthalmology Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, 266000, China ）
Jun Cheng （ Ophthalmology Laboratory, Shandong Ophthalmology Institute, Qingdao, Shandong, 266000, China ）
https://doi.org/10.37155/3060-8708-0206-1Abstract
Objective: To investigate gender-based differences in the progression of lacrimal gland lesions in diabetic mice. Methods: Sixty-four C57BL/6 mice of each sex (64 males, 64 females) were used. Mice of each sex were divided into a diabetic group and a control group (n = 32 per group). The diabetic group received intraperitoneal streptozotocin for five consecutive days; controls received citrate buffer. At 1, 2, 3, and 8 months post-injection, body weight, blood glucose, corneal sensitivity, and tear secretion were measured. Lacrimal glands were examined histologically and for inflammatory factor expression. Results: Diabetic mice showed significantly lower body weight and tear secretion, and higher blood glucose than controls at all time points. Male diabetic mice exhibited greater body weight loss than females throughout, and greater tear reduction at 1 month. Corneal sensitivity decreased significantly in diabetics from 2 months onward, with no sex difference. Lacrimal gland weight was significantly reduced in diabetics at 3 and 8 months, with greater reduction in males. Inflammatory cell infiltration appeared at 3 months and intensified by 8 months in both sexes. At 8 months, TNF-α and IL-1β expression was significantly elevated in diabetic males but not females. Conclusion: Both male and female diabetic mice developed dry eye-related pathologies, but males showed more severe lacrimal gland lesions, suggesting they may be a more suitable model for studying diabetic lacrimal gland complications.
Keywords
Diabetes; Mouse model; Lacrimal Gland Lesions; Sex Differences; Dry Eye-related PathologiesFull Text
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Copyright © 2025 Tingting Xu,Lingling Yang,Jun Cheng
Publishing time:2025-12-31
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