Study: PCOS and MG function

Another little clue in the hormone/dry eye mystery series. Those of you who are following the hormonal research may want to jot down the authors' names and see what else they've got. When I looked at the cross-references I was surprised to see that there was another study on PCOS and dry eye published in AJO last year that I'd missed. Unlike the study below, it showed INCREASED goblet cell density (hmmmmm). Here's a link to last year's study.

Meibomian Gland Alterations in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Yavas GF, Ozturk F, Kusbecı T, Ermıs SS, Yılmazer M, Cevrıoglu S, Aktepe F, Kose S.
Curr Eye Res. 2008 Feb;33(2):133-138

Purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy characterized by chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism where hyperinsulinemia can be seen. Hormonal changes can affect meibomian gland function. In this study, we evaluated tear function in PCOS. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven women having PCOS and 22 normal individuals aged between 18-42 years were enrolled in the study. Patients were asked about dry eye symptoms. Schirmer test, tear film breakup time, and rose Bengal staining were performed. Conjunctival brush cytology specimens were obtained and goblet cell count was done. Results: Dry eye symptoms were more frequent in subjects with PCOS (p = 0.025). Mean breakup time was shorter in women with PCOS (p = 0.034). Schirmer test results, rose Bengal staining scores, and goblet cell count were not different between groups (p = 0.48, p = 0.18, p = 0.82, respectively). Conclusion: Meibomian gland function and tear film lipid layer can be affected in cases with PCOS.