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Study shows association between severe MGD, tear lactoferrin concentration
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Meibomian gland dysfunction was found in a study to be associated with decreased tear lactoferrin concentration, as well as clinical manifestations of ocular surface inflammation, such as dry eye and allergic symptoms.
The study enrolled 40 participants from the Singapore Eye Research Institute and Singapore National Eye Center. They were divided in two groups based on severity of meibomian gland plugging and expressibility.
Tear lactoferrin concentration was measured using the TearScan 270 MicroAssay (Advance Tear Diagnostics). Dry eye and allergy symptoms were assessed by questionnaires.
A lower lactoferrin concentration was found in eyes with reduced meibomian gland expressibility. The association was still significant after adjustment by age. The same subjects reported greater dry eye and allergy symptoms.
Lactoferrin is a protein contained in tears, which protects the ocular surface with its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, the authors explained.
“This was the first study to report the associations between meibomian gland function and tear lactoferrin concentration. The lacrimal gland is known as the main source of tear lactoferrin, and it is a biomarker of aqueous deficient dry eye. Our finding suggests that abnormal meibomian gland expressibility may be associated with inflammation on the adjacent ocular surface,” they wrote.
The authors suggested addressing lactoferrin concentration and inflammation in the most severe forms of meibomian gland dysfunction by aqueous stimulants and anti-inflammatory treatment.
“Prompt therapy may not only prevent atrophy of the meibomian gland but also reduce involvement of associated lacrimal gland inflammation and ocular surface damage,” they concluded.
Study author Cecilia Chao, MOptom, PhD, told Primary Care Optometry News: “It should be noted that patients with greater meibomian gland atrophy did not show any inflammatory signs and symptoms. This finding indicates that we may need to address lower lactoferrin concentration and inflammation in more severe meibomian gland obstruction, but not in atrophy, to preserve lacrimal function.” – by Michela Cimberle
Disclosure: The authors reported no relevant financial disclosures.
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