Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2006

Mentor: Dr. Igor Butovich
Department: Ophthalmology
Room number: E7.244
Mail Code: 9057
Phone number: 214-648-3523
E-mail: igor.butovich@utsouthwestern.edu
Project I title: Characterization of meibomian gland secretions of normal subjects and dry eye patients using mass spectroscopy

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): IRB 082004-008

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): n/a

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects)
basic

Brief Description of Project:

The student will participate in biochemical studies of the Meibomian gland secretions which are the major part of the tear film lipid layer that covers the surface of eye. Lipid abnormalities and, in certain cases, deficiency contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome which affects lives of millions of people. The goal of the project is to compare the lipid compositions of the secretions collected from normal subjects and dry eye patients using mass spectrometry and find correlations between the severity of the disease and lipid abnormalities.

Project II title: Biophysical characterization and role of lipids in dry eye syndrome

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): IRB 082004-008

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): n/a

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects)
basic

Brief Description of Project:

Lipids that are produced by meibomian glands will be collected from normal subjects and dry eye patients and used for modeling the tear film lipid layer in experiments with Langmuir trough. The biophysical characteristics of the lipid layers will be determined in attempt to find correlations between the severity of the disease and the lipid layer properties.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

None

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