Prevention of UVR cataract with Vitamin‐E

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To analyze the potential of Vit‐E for cataract prevention Methods The experimental animal was 6 weeks old albino SD rat. Animals supplemented with Vit‐E received a daily dose per os for 4 w prior to exposure. Oxidative stress was induced by in vivo unilateral exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) around 300 nm. Forward light scattering was measured in the lens 1 w after exposure. I: 40 animals were divided into supplementation (100 IU/day)/no supplementation groups. In all animals, one eye was exposed to 8 kJ/m2 UVR. II: 80 animals were divided into two exposure groups, (5 min, 15 min). Each group was divided into supplementation (100 IU/day), no supplementation subgroups. In all animals, one eye was exposed to 8 kJ/m2 UVR. III: 100 animals were divided into 5 dose groups (0, 5, 25, 50, 100 IU/day). All animals were unilaterally exposed to 8 kJ/m2 UVR. IV: 40 animals were divided into supplementation (20 IU/day)/no supplementation groups. Each group was subdivided into 5 dose subgroups. MTD(2.3:16) was estimated for both supplementation groups and the protection provided by Vit‐E was calculated as MTD(2.3:16) ratio between supplementation and no supplementation. Results I: Vit‐E supplemented animals had a higher content of Vit‐E and expressed less light scattering than non‐supplemented animals. II: Vit‐E suppressed additional light scattering expressed after 15 min exposures as compared to 5 min. exposures. III: Vit‐E suppressed the UVR induced light scattering exponentially declining as a function of increasing supplementation. IV: Vit‐E supplementation provided a protection factor of 1.4. Conclusion Vit‐E suppresses oxidative stress from in vivo exposure to UVR.