Abstract
PurposeThe present study sought to evaluate the efficacy of N‐acetylcysteine amide (NACA) eye drops in reversing the cataract formation induced by sodium selenite in male Wistar rat pups.MethodsForty male Wistar rat pups were randomly divided into treatment groups. Cataracts were evaluated at the end of week 2 (postpartum day 14) when the rat pups opened their eyes. NACA eye drops were administered beginning week 3 till the end of week 4 (postpartum days 15–30) and the rats were sacrificed at the end of week 4. Lenses were isolated and examined for oxidative stress parameters such as glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and calcium levels along with the glutathione reductase and thioltransferase enzyme activities. Casein zymography and Western blot of m‐calpain were performed using water soluble fraction of lens proteins.ResultsMorphological examination of the lenses in the NACA‐treated group indicated that NACA was able to reverse the cataract grade. In addition, glutathione (GSH) level, thioltransferase (Ttase) activity, m‐calpain activity, and m‐calpain level (as assessed by Western blot) were all significantly higher in the NACA‐treated group than in the Na2SeO3‐induced cataract group. Furthermore, sodium selenite injected rat pups had significantly higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione reductase (GR) enzyme activity, and calcium levels, which were reduced to control levels upon treatment with NACA.ConclusionsNACA has the potential to significantly improve patient health and the clinical care of cataracts. Further development of pharmacological agents like NACA may eventually help ophthalmologists prevent cataract formation in high‐risk populations and non‐surgically treat early stage cataracts, producing favorable patient outcomes while decreasing medical costs.
Published Version
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