Evaluation of the protective effects of naproxen and celecoxib on naphthalene-induced cataract in albino rats

Abstract

Background: Cataract is an age-related disorder. The role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in cataract formation is still unclear. Previous data have indicated a cataractogenic as well as a potential protective effect of NSAIDs against cataract formation. Anti-cataract efficacy of NSAIDs has been studied extensively in different experimental settings. Use of aspirin in the prevention of cataract came from its use in elderly patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Subsequently, a number of NSAIDs with diverse chemical structures like paracetamol, Ibuprofen, naproxen were reported to have anti-cataract potential as they delayed the onset and progression of cataract development. In view of this, naproxen is used as standard and celecoxib, a (cyclooxygenase II) COX II inhibitor, is used as drug for comparison to evaluate the protective effects on naphthalene-induced cataract in albino rats. Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of naproxen and celecoxib on naphthalene-induced cataract in albino rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six adult albino rats were divided into six groups containing six animals each. Group I (control) received normal saline orally. Group II (control) received normal saline eye drops. Group III received naproxen (4 mg/kg) orally. Group IV received naproxen eye drops (2%). Group V received celecoxib (3 mg/kg) orally. Group VI received celecoxib eye drops (2%). Oral dose and eye drops were given daily for 10 days prior to induction of cataract. Cataract was induced by oral administration of naphthalene 1 gm/kg in albino rats. Rats were examined daily for the appearance of lenticular capacity by indirect illumination, direct ophthalmoscopy, slit lamp examination, and observed for any mortality for period of 30 days. Results: Oral naproxen significantly retarded the appearance and progression of cataract, whereas less significant improvement was seen with oral celecoxib. Although, naproxen eye drops were just marginally effective, celecoxib eye drops was not at all effective in preventing cataract. Conclusion: Oral naproxen being a nonselective COX inhibitor was more efficacious than celecoxib, a COX II selective inhibitor, in retarding the progress of cataract induced by naphthalene. Similarly, naproxen eye drops also showed a marginal effect in prevention of progression of cataract, whereas celecoxib eye drops had no effect at all.