Low levels of 17-β-oestradiol, oestrone and testosterone correlate with severe evaporative dysfunctional tear syndrome in postmenopausal women: a case–control study. Issue 3 (3rd January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gagliano, Caterina; Caruso, Salvatore; Napolitano, Giuseppe; Malaguarnera, Giulia; Cicinelli, Maria Vittoria; Amato, Roberta; Reibaldi, Michele; Incarbone, Giuseppe; Bucolo, Claudio; Drago, Filippo; Avitabile, Teresio
• Other Names: Caforio Silvia author non-byline.; Ortisi Elina author non-byline.; Toro Mario author non-byline.; Longo Antonio author non-byline.; Stella Santo author non-byline.; Faro Giuseppe author non-byline.
• Is Part Of: British journal of ophthalmology. Volume 98:Issue 3(2014)
• Page Start: 371
• Page End: 376
• Publication Date: 2014-01-03
• Subjects: Ocular surface -- Tears -- Diagnostic tests/Investigation -- Pharmacology; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2012-302705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1161

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: To evaluate the role of 17-β-oestradiol, oestrone and total testosterone (TT) deficiency in the pathogenesis of severe evaporative dry eye syndrome (DES), investigating the relationship between tear osmolarity, tear film break-up time (TF-BUT), Schirmer test and serum sex hormones in postmenopausal women. Methods: 44 postmenopausal women were recruited for a case–control study: 22 women with severe evaporative DES (Group A) and 22 without DES (Group B). The tests performed included laboratory blood analysis: fasting plasma profile (17-β-oestradiol, oestrone and TT), glucose level and lipid profile. Detailed eye examinations, including corneal and conjunctival staining, tear osmolarity measurement, tear volume and TF-BUT, were performed. The Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaire was also administered. Results: Values of Schirmer test and TF-BUT in Group A were significantly lower in comparison with Group B (p<0.001). Serum levels of 17-β-oestradiol, oestrone and TT were significantly lower in Group A compared with Group B (p<0.05). In women with severe evaporative DES, the levels of 17-β-oestradiol, oestrone and TT were inversely correlated with the tear film osmolarity (r=−0.7, −0.88, −0.81, respectively). Conclusions: In postmenopausal women with severe evaporative DES, sex hormone levels are lower than control and that tear osmolarity is negatively correlated with sex hormone levels.