Gender-associated differences in gene expression of the meibomian gland.

Previous research has shown that a sex-related difference exists in the casual level of meibomian gland lipids on the lid margin, with women having lower amounts than men from puberty to menopause.1 We hypothesize that this difference may possibly reflect a gender-associated variation in gene expression, and consequent function, of the meibomian gland. Moreover, we hypothesize that this sex-related difference may relate in part to the influence of androgens, which are known to modulate the meibomian gland.2–9 The purpose of this study was to begin to test these hypotheses.