Impact of estrogen on morphology and programmed cell death in the meibomian glands of rats

Objective: To examine the relationship between hormonal changes, particularly estrogen, and lacrimal gland function in dry eye syndrome using a surgically induced menopausal rat model. Methods: Twenty-four female rats were divided into four groups: control, ovariectomized, ovariectomized with estrogen replacement, and ovariectomized with phytoestrogen replacement. Rats with regular estrous cycles were selected via vaginal cytology. Ovariectomy was performed on ovariectomized groups, and ovariectomized with estrogen replacement and ovariectomized with phytoestrogen replacement groups received hormonal interventions. Histological analysis assessed collagen [...]