AIM:To investigate the correlation between the severity of Meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)and the prostaglandin E₂(PGE₂)content in Meibomian gland secretions and tear.

METHODS:Seventy-two patients with MGD were divided into mild to moderate group(36 patients with 60 eyes)and severe group(36 patients with 60 eyes).The content of PGE₂ in Meibomian gland secretions and tear were tested by ELISA. Thirty healthy adults(60 eyes)were chosen as the control group which were only tested for PGE₂ in tear.

RESULTS:The differences of the content of PGE₂ in tear in the three groups were significant(F=100.26,P<0.01),and that in the severe group was higher than that in the mild to moderate group(t=5.789,P<0.01)and the control group(t=7.468,P<0.01). There was no significant difference of the content of PGE₂ in tear between the mild to moderate group and control group(t=0.923,P>0.05). The differences of the content of PGE₂ in Meibomian gland secretions in three groups were significant and that in the severe group was much higher than that in the mild to moderate group(F=151.76,P<0.01).The content of PGE₂ in Meibomian gland secretions were positive correlated to the content of PGE₂ in tears in severe group(r=0.71,P<0.01); the content of PGE₂ in Meibomian gland secretions was positive correlated to the content of PGE₂ in tears in mild to moderate group(r=0.30,P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:The level of PGE₂ in Meibomian gland secretions and tears plays an important role in judging the severity of MGD and guiding clinical rational drug use.