Androgen influence on cholesterogenic enzyme mRNA levels in the mouse meibomian gland.
OBJECTIVE
We tested our hypothesis that testosterone increases the meibomian gland gene expression of numerous enzymes in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway.


METHODS
Meibomian glands were obtained from castrated mice treated with vehicle or testosterone for 2 weeks. Tissues were processed for the analysis of selected mRNAs by real-time PCR.


RESULTS
Our research demonstrates that testosterone stimulates a significant increase in the mRNA levels of mevalonate kinase, phosphomevalonate kinase, mevalonate pyrophosphate decarboxylase, isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase, squalene epoxidase, lanosterol synthase, lanosterol demethylase, and Delta 7-sterol reductase.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate that androgens may promote cholesterol biosynthesis in the meibomian gland.
Schirra
Frank
F
Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Richards
Stephen M
SM
Sullivan
David A
DA
D000818:Animals; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004798:Enzymes / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008537:Meibomian Glands / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004798:Enzymes; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013739:Testosterone; D002784:Cholesterol