Effect of glutathione with sea tangle extract on prevention of selenite‐induced cataract formation in rat eyes

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To evaluate antioxidative and preventive effects of sea tangle extract on selenite‐induced cataract formation. Methods Eighty SD rat pups were randomized into 8 groups. Group 1, not injected any reagent (normal); In group 2‐8, selenite(15μmol/Kg, s.c.) was injected on day 11. In group 2 (control) and group 3, normal saline (i.p.) and ascorbic acid (i.p.) was injected on days 3–31; In group 4‐8, sea tangle extract (i.p.) was injected on days 3–31 with concentration of 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200mg/Kg, respectively. Development of cataract was assessed and photographed weekly under slit lamp photo. After 31st day, rat lenses were analyzed for antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde. Furthermore, amino acid analysis of sea tangle extract was performed. Results Significant differences (p < 0.05) were seen in cataract development by the 8 groups. No rats developed cataract in group 1; Dense nuclear cataract was developed 8 of 10 and 4 of 10 rats in each group 2 and 3; Group 4‐8 developed nuclear cataract with proportion of 6/10, 3/10, 2/10, 1/10 and 6/10 rats. In sea tangle injected group (group 4‐8), levels of GPx were higher than those in ascorbic acid and control group. Especially, group 7, injected with 100mg/kg of sea tangle extract showed significantly high level of enzyme. Results of amino acid analysis showed sea tangle includes glutamate‐glycine‐cysteine, major constituents of glutathione(GSH). Conclusion The glutamate‐glycine‐cysteine in sea tangle is supposed to increase the level of lens GSH and this may contribute to lowering cataract development. This study strongly supports the activity of sea tangle as an endogenous antioxidant and anticataract agent.