Abstract

Perioperative Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a common complication following ocular surgery, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms, particularly those involving lipid mediators of inflammation, remain poorly understood. This study investigated the alterations in the tear film content of inflammatory oxylipins, a class of potent lipid signaling molecules derived from cell membrane fatty acids, in patients developing perioperative DES. Oxylipins, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes, are critical regulators of cellular and tissue inflammation, directly impacting the integrity and function of the ocular surface epithelium and the tear film's lipid layer. Tear samples were collected from patients before and after surgery, and the profile of key inflammatory oxylipins was analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results revealed a significant elevation in several pro-inflammatory oxylipins, such as specific eicosanoids, in the tears of patients with DES compared to controls. These alterations suggest a disruption in the cellular lipid metabolism and an intensified inflammatory cascade at the ocular surface, potentially contributing to epithelial cell damage and tear film instability. The findings highlight the role of altered membrane lipid signaling in the pathogenesis of perioperative DES and identify specific oxylipin profiles as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for mitigating this condition.