Address of Corresponding Author

Ophthalmologica 2006;220:52-57 (DOI: 10.1159/000089275)

  Key Words

• Oxidative stress
• Cataract reversal
• Pyruvate, cataract protection

  Abstract

It is generally believed that prophylactic intake of antioxidants is beneficial in delaying the onset of some aging manifestations such as cataract. However, whether such a supplementation will also be effective if the pathophysiogical process has already set in remains a largely open question. We examined this possibility with lens changes leading to cataract formation, since cataract genesis is intimately related to a continued generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the aqueous humor. Since the formation of cataract is a well-defined progressive disease, starting with an early refractive change and leading to gradual enhancement of opacification, we hypothesized that even a belated start with an appropriate anti-oxidant could halt the pathological process and delay cataract maturation and vision impairment. Using lens cultures, we tested this hypothesis with pyruvate, known to be an effective and highly potent ROS scavenger. Adding pyruvate to the culture medium after lenses had sustained a 50% damage was significantly effective in preventing progress. This was apparent by better maintenance of the active rubidium transport activity in these lenses compared to controls without pyruvate treatment. Glutathione levels were also higher in the pyruvate group.

Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Dr. Shambhu Varma
Department of Ophthalmology Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine
10 South Pine Street, MSTF 500A
Baltimore, MD 21201 (USA)
Tel. +1 410 706 3395, Fax +1 410 706 1668, E-Mail svarma2384@aol.com

  Article Information

Received: May 20, 2005
Accepted: July 1, 2005
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 26