Prevention Of Cataract Research Articles

Preventive Effects of Aphanothece sacrum on Diabetic Cataracts

Approximately 20% of diabetic patients develop diabetic cataracts. As lens proteins are known to be only slightly metabolized during the lifetime, cataracts are difficult to recover from once they have progressed. Therefore, the daily intake of natural compounds would be an important strategy for the prevention of diabetic cataracts. Aphanothece sacrum Okada (Asa) is a freshwater blue-green algae endemic to Japan. It has been eaten since the Edo period in Kyushu. In this study, the inhibitory effects of Asa on the pathogenesis of diabetic cataracts were evaluated. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of Asa on the formation of Nε-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML), an oxidation-dependent advanced glycation end-product, were also measured. After 3-month administration, the CML contents in the lens were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry using an internal standard of CML or lysine. Asa significantly inhibited the progression of cataractogenesis and accumulation of CML in diabetic lens compared with the normal diet group. These results suggested that daily intake of Asa reduces oxidative stress and prevents the pathogenesis of cataracts.

Evaluation of the antioxidant effects of different histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) on human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) after UVB exposure

BackgroundTo compare the protective effects of the histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB), trichostatin A (TSA), suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and valproic acid (VPA) on human lens epithelial cells(HLECs) following ultraviolet-B (UVB) exposure.MethodsHLECs were divided into subgroups: four HDACi groups, a control group, a UVB-treated group and a DMSO group (cells treated with DMSO and UVB irradiation). In the HDACi groups, HLECs were cultured with different concentrations of HDACis 12 h prior to UVB irradiation. The protective effects of the HDACis were evaluated by assessing apoptosis rates, cell activity and expression levels of genes associated with apotosis (caspase-3, Bcl-2, BAX, SOD1, FOXO3A and MT2). The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were detected in order to evaluate oxidative stress.ResultsThe results showed that SAHA (1 μmol/L, 2 μmol/L) and TSA (0.2 μmol/L) had mild protective effects on cell viability. βOHB (4 mmol/L) and TSA (0.2 mol/L) demonstrated protective effects on BCL-2 expression. TSA (0.2 mol/L) showed protective effects on SOD1 expression. TSA (0.2 mol/L) and SAHA (1 μmol/L) suppressed BAX and caspase-3 expression. TSA (0.2 mol/L, 0.8 mol/L) and SAHA (1 μmol/L, 2 μmol/L) suppressed the expression of FOXO3A and MT2. SOD levels were increased after treatment with βOHB (4 mmol/L), SAHA (8 μmol/L) and TSA (0.1 mol/L, 0.2 mol/L). T-AOC levels were increased in UVB-treated HLECs after treatment with SAHA (2 μmol/L). MDA levels decreased in UVB-treated HLECs following treatment with TSA (0.2 mol/L, 0.8 mol/L). ROS levels decreased in UVB-treated HLECs following treatment with βOHB (4 mmol/L), SAHA (1 μmol/L, 2 μmol/L) and TSA (0.2 mol/L). Western blotting results demonstrated that SOD1 levels significantly increased in the βOHB (4 mmol/L), SAHA (1 μmol/L, 2 μmol/L), TSA (0.1 mol/L, 0.2 mol/L) and VPA (5 mmol/L) groups. Only SAHA (1 μmol/L) had an anti-apoptotic effect on UVB-treated HLECs.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that low concentrations of HDACis (1 μmol/L of SAHA) mildly inhibit oxidative stress, thus protecting HLECs from oxidation. These results may suggest that there is a possibility to explore the clinical applications of HDACis for treatment and prevention of cataracts.

Evaluation of the effect of Nishamalaki on cataract in diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder, leading to many complications. Cataract is important complication causing impairment of vision. Many factors play a role in cataract formation in diabetic individuals. Only treatment for cataract is surgery, having limitations. There is a need to explore for inexpensive, non-surgical approaches for prevention of cataract. The present study was planned to evaluate the effect of Nishamalaki (NA) on diabetic cataract. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to study the prophylactic and therapeutic effect of NA on cataract and its mechanism of action. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced in 42 Wistar rats with low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) followed by high-fat high-fructose diet. NA treatment initiated in six rats immediately after STZ administration (NA prophylactic Group II). Once diabetes was developed rats divided into six groups and received respective treatment for 8 weeks: Group I – diabetic control, Group III – NA therapeutic, Group IV – glimepiride, Group V – chloramphenicol, Group VI – glutamine, and Group VII – epalrestat. Then, estimation of aldose reductase (AR) and antioxidant enzymes in blood and lens was done. Results: In Group I, cataract was initiated in the 2nd week and progressed to Stage 3 or 4 by the 8th week. No cataract was developed in NA prophylactic and chloramphenicol group. Delayed initiation and progression were seen in NA therapeutic and epalrestat, compared to glimepiride and glutamine group. NA was seen to work by antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, AR inhibition, and probably by CYP 450 inhibition. Conclusion: NA is useful in the prevention and treatment of cataract in diabetic animals, working through many mechanisms.

Cataract etiology and prevention in traditional Persian medicine texts

Context: According to the World Health Organization, cataract is the most common retrievable blind cause in the world. Nowadays, surgery is the only treatment to restore vision in patient with cataract. In regard to the high costs of surgery, prevention has a particular importance. In modern medicine, cataract risk factors are hardly preventable. Aims: Determination of the etiology and preventive solutions of cataract in traditional Persian medicine (TPM). Settings and Design: This is a summative qualitative content analysis that focused on Persian medicine texts in from 4th to 13th AH centuries. Materials and Methods: TPM literature were searched during centuries 4th to 13th AH, by using this key words: “Nuzūl-ul-mā”, “Ā’b murwārīd” and “āb āvardan chishm” or just “Mā,” and Databases (PubMed, PMC, Google Scholar, and Scopus) were searched by: Cataract; risk factor, etiology, prevention and treatment of cataract; This research has been done in seven phases. Statistical Analysis Used: All data about the treatment of cataract were collected and categorized into modern style. Results: According to TPM, to prevent cataract, first, it must be reduced or eliminated the causes of cataract; Those causes are classified to four themes such as physical factors, habits and inappropriate lifestyle, diseases, and age. Persian Physicians (Ḥakīm) proposed and used some prevention and medications to change some of these etiological factors to decrease the incidence of cataract. Conclusions: In this research, a wide range of preventive measures for cataract is observed which cannot be found in modern medicine. Changes in some etiological factors such as lifestyle can prevent this disease. Affirming this claim depends on clinical researches.

IMPLEMENTASI SPARQL DENGAN FRAMEWORK JENA FUSEKI UNTUK MELAKUKAN PENCARIAN PENGETAHUAN PADA MODEL ONTOLOGI JALUR KLINIS TATA LAKSANA PERAWATAN PENYAKIT KATARAK

Abstract
 The prevalence of cataracts in Indonesia is very high, this can affect the quality of life, productivity and social aspects will cause the nation's economy to be in a low-level position. Cataract problems certainly need to be considered more, however, on the other hand, the lack of experts (doctors) is an obstacle especially outside the city. Uneven distribution of experts will complicate the conditions for solving problems. With these conditions, a semantic-based information technology approach is needed regarding the treatment of patients with cataracts. Semantic information can provide knowledge to non-physician health workers, this will certainly facilitate the process of prevention and prevention of cataracts. In this research, knowledge is modeled using the ontology concept. We have built an ontology model that can be used as a guide to the management of cataract disease. To extract the built-in ontology model, simple protocol and RDF Language (SPARQL) are used as query languages. Apache Jena Fuseki is used to simplify the process of evaluating knowledge. 

Topical nanodelivery system of lutein for the prevention of selenite-induced cataract

Cataracts are responsible for half of the world blindness, surgery being the only viable treatment. Lutein, a naturally occurring carotenoid in the eye, has the potential to reduce cataract progression by protecting the eye from photo-oxidative stress. To restore the eye's natural line of defense against photo-oxidative stress, a formulation was developed using zein and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in an optimized bioadhesive thermosensitive gel for the delivery of lutein via topical application. Cataracts were induced in Crl:WI rats via selenite injection at 13 days post-partum, followed by 7 days of treatment with free lutein or lutein-loaded NPs administered orally or topically. Cataract severity was significantly reduced in rats treated with topical applications of lutein-loaded NPs compared to the positive control, while no significant differences were observed in rats treated with other lutein formulations including oral and topically applied free lutein.

Comparative potential of hydrocortisone, deoxycorticosterone and dexamethasone in the prevention of cataract: an in silico and in vitro study

Cataract is visual impairment which arises due to disturbance of lens transparency due to aggregation of the protein. Currently, surgery is the only choice for the treatment of cataract. Thus, there is a need for new drugs in the prevention of cataract. In the current investigation, we have checked the potential of hydrocortisone, deoxycorticosterone and dexamethasone against cataract by using in silico and in vitro studies. The structure of a desired target (aldose reductase) has been selected and extracted from Protein Data Bank ( http://www.rcsb.org/pdb ). The structures of various ligands (hydrocortisone, deoxycorticosterone and dexamethasone) have been drawn by using Chem Draw Ultra 12.0 software. The docking was performed in a Mole Gro Virtual Docker version 6.0. The cataract was induced by using glucose under in vitro conditions and anti-cataract potential of selected drugs have been analysed by assessing various biochemical parameters. In silico studies have revealed that hydrocortisone, deoxycorticosterone and dexamethasone have good binding interaction with aldose reductase. Further, in vitro studies have been shown the anti-cataract potential of steroidal drugs. The oxidative stress induced by glucose was decreased more significantly in the lens treated with dexamethasone as compared to deoxycorticosterone and hydrocortisone. Further, the protein level was significantly increased after treatment with dexamethasone which indicates its more anti-cataract potential as compared to deoxycorticosterone and hydrocortisone. In conclusion, dexamethasone has potential to prevent the cataract as compared to hydrocortisone and deoxycorticosterone. However, further studies are needed to confirm its complete role as anti-cataract drug.

Camel Milk and the Prevention of Glucose Cataract, an Organ Culture Study

Purpose: To test if camel milk affects glucose-induced opacity in organ cultured rat and human lenses. Methods: Whole human and rat lenses were cultured in various media containing either 55 mM glucose, camel milk, or a combination of both glucose and milk. Some lenses were cultured in a media containing neither moiety to establish a control. Absorbance spectra of human and rat lenses were measured daily using a visible/ultraviolet light spectrometer. Lens opacities were graded by a blinded grader from photographs taken daily. Aldose reductase activity, catalase activity, glutathione and receptor for advanced glycation end products levels were assayed. Results: The optical density and light scattering intensity of human lenses cultured with glucose were higher after two to four days in organ culture compared with lenses cultured without glucose. Camel milk in the culture media attenuated the glucose-induced increase in optical density, light scattering intensity and opacity grade after two to four days for both human and rat lenses. Aldose reductase activity, catalase activity and glutathione levels were restored but the receptor for advanced glycation end products was similar in rat lenses cultured with glucose compared with those cultured with glucose and camel milk. There were no differences between the assayed moieties in human lenses cultured with glucose or glucose plus milk. Since camel milk restored rat lens glutathione levels, it is possible that camel milk may protect the lens from oxidation and significantly reduce the glucose-induced increase in light scattering of human lenses. Structurally and physiologically, rat lenses are distinct from human lenses, therefore, the rat lens data was highly variable when compared with the human lens data, highlighting the importance of using human lenses in future studies. Conclusions: Camel milk present in the organ culture medium inhibited the glucose-induced opacity in human lenses and restored the amount of glutathione to the same levels of lenses not cultured in glucose. The positive results of the current study leads to future studies to determine the moieties in camel milk that are responsible for cataract inhibition and in vivo studies involving camel milk.

Regulation of transforming growth factor β-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells by c-Src kinase under high glucose conditions.

Recent studies have reported that high glucose (HG) conditions may contribute to the acceleration of renal cell apoptosis and renal fibrosis by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tubular epithelial cells, in which c-Src kinase and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β are key modulators. In the present study, the roles of c-Src kinase and TGF-β in EMT of lens epithelial cells (LECs) under HG conditions were investigated. Results indicated human lens epithelial B3 (HLE-B3) cells under HG conditions exhibited significantly increased protein expression levels of phosphorylated c-Src (p-Src418) (P<0.05) and secreted a significantly increased amount of TGF-β compared with HLE-B3 cells under normal glucose conditions (P<0.05). Notably the c-Src inhibitor PP1 and the activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5) inhibitor SB431542 suppressed EMT of HLE-B3 cells. Results indicated that PP1 significantly inhibited the activities of c-Src and ALK5 and the secretion of TGF-β, whereas SB431542 only significantly downregulated the protein expression levels and secretion of TGF-β (P<0.05). Following c-Src knockdown, the protein expression levels of p-Src418, ALK5 and TGF-β were significantly decreased, the secretion of TGF-β was significantly suppressed (both P<0.05) and EMT was decreased in HLE-B3 cells. These results suggest that c-Src and TGF-β may promote EMT of LECs under HG conditions, with c-Src as the upstream regulatory molecule. Thus, the signal axis of c-Src/TGF-β in EMT of LECs may be a potential novel therapeutic target for the prevention of diabetic subcapsular cataract.

Protective Role of Oral Bupropion in Prevention of Cataract Induced Experimentally in Rabbits

Cataract is one of the chief causes of blindness and visual impairment in the elderly people throughout the developing world. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible protective role of oral bupropion against selenite induced cataract in rabbits. Adult rabbits were used in the present study. Groups of study were: Apparently normal group, Cataract group and oral bupropion group. Cataract induction was done by a single intravitreal injection of 0.1 ml (0.01% w/v) of sodium selenite solution in the right eyes. Bupropion (50 mg/kg two times daily) was given for five days before intravitreal injection sodium selenite solution and 21 days after. The parameters were: Lens opacity, pupil diameter, light reflex, corneal sensation, conjunctival redness, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in aqueous humor of rabbit eyes. Oral bupropion resulted in high significant protection from cataract development and there was no change in pupil diameter, positive light reflex, positive corneal sensation, no conjunctival redness, decreased level of MDA and increased level of GSH.

Fatty acids modulate the efficacy of lutein in cataract prevention: Assessment of oxidative and inflammatory parameters in rats

BackgroundEffects of lutein (L) and fatty acids [linoleic acid (LA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)+docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and oleic acid (OA)] on oxidative stress and inflammation in cataract were assessed. MethodsCataract was induced in male Wistar rat pups (11 days old) by giving a single dose of sodium selenite (25 μM/kg body weight) by IP. Lutein (1.3 μmol/kg body weight) was given one day before and five days after selenite injection as a micelle with 7.5 mM LA, or 7.5 mM EPA + DHA or 7.5 mM OA. Serum and lens oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters having a bearing cataract were assessed. ResultsSerum and lens nitric oxide, MDA and protein carbonyls were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in cataract compared to control and experimental groups. Catalase, SOD, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione transferase activity and glutathione level in serum and lens of cataract group were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. Serum eicosanoids (PGE2, LTB4, and LTC4) and cytokines (CRP, TNF-α, IL1-β, and MCP-1) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in cataract. The activity of cPLA2 and Cox-2 in cataract lens was higher (p < 0.05) compared to other groups. EP-1, NOS-2 and NF-kB expression were higher (p < 0.05) in cataract. The ratio of water insoluble to water soluble protein was increased in cataract lens. Group administered with L + EPA + DHA exhibited highest cataract prevention compared to L + LA and L + OA. Pups given lutein with EPA + DHA had the highest amount of lutein in the lens. ConclusionsThe anti-cataract activity of lutein was influenced by fatty acids and found to be highest with EPA + DHA compared to LA or OA.

Recommendations for newborn screening for galactokinase deficiency: A systematic review and evaluation of Dutch newborn screening data

IntroductionGalactokinase (GALK) deficiency causes cataract leading to severe developmental consequences unless treated early. Because of the easy prevention and rapid reversibility of cataract with treatment, the Dutch Health Council advised to include GALK deficiency in the Dutch newborn screening program. The aim of this study is to establish the optimal screening method and cut-off value (COV) for GALK deficiency screening by performing a systematic review of the literature of screening strategies and total galactose (TGAL) values and by evaluating TGAL values in the first week of life in a cohort of screened newborns in the Netherlands. MethodsSystematic literature search strategies in OVID MEDLINE and OVID EMBASE were developed and study selection, data collection and analyses were performed by two independent investigators. A range of TGAL values measured by the Quantase Neonatal Total Galactose screening assay in a cohort of Dutch newborns in 2007 was evaluated. ResultsEight publications were included in the systematic review. All four studies describing screening strategies used TGAL as the primary screening marker combined with galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) measurement that is used for classical galactosemia screening. TGAL COVs of 2200 μmol/L, 1665 μmol/L and 1110 μmol/L blood resulted in positive predictive values (PPV) of 100%, 82% and 10% respectively. TGAL values measured in the newborn period were reported for 39 GALK deficiency patients with individual values ranging from 3963 to 8159 μmol/L blood and 2 group values with mean 8892 μmol/L blood (SD ± 5243) and 4856 μmol/L blood (SD ± 461). Dutch newborn screening data of 72,786 newborns from 2007 provided a median TGAL value of 110 μmol/L blood with a range of 30–2431 μmol/L blood. ConclusionBased on TGAL values measured in GALK deficiency patients reported in the literature and TGAL measurements in the Dutch cohort by newborn screening we suggest to perform the GALK screening with TGAL as a primary marker with a COV of 2500 μmol/L blood, combined with GALT enzyme activity measurement as used in the classical galactosemia screening, to ensure detection of GALK deficiency patients and minimize false positive referrals.

Serum calcium and phosphorus levels: a marker of disease activity in senile cataract patients

Background: The present study was aimed to study alterations in serum levels of calcium and phosphorus levels in senile cataract patients.Methods: 25 senile cataract patients in age group of 50 to 80 years and 25 control group were included in the study. Serum Calcium and Phosphorus levels were determined by Orthocresolphthalein, Fiske SubbaRow method respectivelyResults: Significantly increased levels of serum calcium in cataract patients (11.58±1.65 mg/dl) were found as compared to controls (8.53±1.45mg/dl) (p&lt;0.0001). Serum phosphorus concentration in cataract patients (5.28±0.46 mg/dl) were significantly increased when compared to controls (3.02±1.23mg/dl) (p&lt;0.0001).Conclusions: Presence of G-protein receptors in lens leads to the release of intracellular calcium. As total calcium in the lens increases, we hypothesize that higher intercellular calcium concentrations, coupled with decreased Ca2+-ATPase activity and greater membrane permeability could lead to elevated free intracellular calcium levels causing cataract. So, abnormal elevation of serum calcium and phosphorus can be used as a marker for prevention of age-related human cataract.

D-galactose induces premature senescence of lens epithelial cells by disturbing autophagy flux and mitochondrial functions

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness with an estimated 16 million people affected worldwide. d-galactose (d-gal) is a reducing sugar that widely distributed in foodstuffs, and studies show that d-gal could promote cataract formation by damaging nature lens epithelial cells (LECs). However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. In our present study, d-gal resulted in premature senescence of LECs, which was confirmed by determining the β-galactosidase activity, cell proliferative potential and cell cycle distribution, though apoptosis of LECs was not observed. We also verified that d-gal induced the impairment of autophagy flux by measuring the expression of LC3II and P62. Meanwhile, we found that d-gal induced mitochondrial dysfunctions of LECs through increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing ATP synthesis and mitochondrial potential (MMP), enhancing the concentration of cytoplasm Ca2+ and permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening. Metformin, as a potential anti-aging agent, suppressed the senescence of LECs by restoring autophagy flux and mitochondria functions. Nevertheless, the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) scavenged ROS significantly but was not efficient in preventing LECs from premature senescence. Our data suggests that restoring autophagy activity and improving mitochondrial functions may be a potential strategy for the prevention of LECs senescence-related cataract.

Drug delivery to the lens for the management of cataracts.

Cataracts are one of the most prevalent diseases of the lens, affecting its transparency and are the leading cause of reversible blindness in the world. The clarity of the lens is essential for its normal physiological function of refracting light onto the retina. Currently there is no pharmaceutical treatment for prevention or cure of cataracts and surgery to replace the affected lens remains the gold standard in the management of cataracts. Pharmacological treatment for prevention of cataracts is hindered by many physiological barriers that must be overcome by a therapeutic agent to reach the avascular lens. Various therapeutic agents and formulation strategies are currently being investigated to prevent cataract formation as access to surgery is limited. This review provides a summary of recent research in the field of drug delivery to the lens for the management of cataracts including models used to study cataract treatments and discusses the future perspectives in the field.

P-Coumaric Acid Protects Human Lens Epithelial Cells against Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis by MAPK Signaling.

To protect against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in lens epithelial cells is a potential strategy in preventing cataract formation. The present study aimed at studying the protective effect and underlying mechanisms of p-coumaric acid (p-CA) on hydrogen peroxide- (H2O2-) induced apoptosis in human lens epithelial (HLE) cells (SRA 01–04). Cells were pretreated with p-CA at a concentration of 3, 10, and 30 μM before the treatment of H2O2 (275 μM). Results showed that pretreatment with p-CA significantly protected against H2O2-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner, as well as downregulating the expressions of both cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 in HLE cells. Moreover, p-CA also greatly suppressed H2O2-induced intracellular ROS production and mitochondrial membrane potential loss and elevated the activities of T-SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px of H2O2-treated cells. As well, in vitro study showed that p-CA also suppressed H2O2-induced phosphorylation of p-38, ERK, and JNK in HLE cells. These findings demonstrate that p-CA suppresses H2O2-induced HLE cell apoptosis through modulating MAPK signaling pathways and suggest that p-CA has a potential therapeutic role in the prevention of cataract.

Critical elements of cataract prevention work in China

Surgical treatment of cataract is the emphasis of prevention of blindness in China. In the past ten years, cataract prevention work has made great strides. However, the cataract surgery rate (CSR) in one million people is still far away from the developed countries, and not enough to eliminate the blindness of cataract in our country. The CSR is related to many factors. In this article, the issue of the CSR increase is commented from four aspects, including improving the quantity and quality of cataract surgery, increasing the allocation of ophthalmic resources to primary hospitals, strengthening the cooperation between the urban and backward areas in ophthalmology, and the economic factors. It is hoped that our ophthalmic practitioners pay more attention to the prevention of blindness, and the quantity and quality of cataract surgery could be increased. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 801-804).

Risk factors of age-related cataract in a Chinese adult population: the Taizhou Eye Study.

Cataract risk factors data will provide epidemic evidence for cataract prevention. This study aimed to study the risk factors for age-related cataract in a Chinese adult population. This is a population-based, cross-sectional study. A total of 10 234 eligible subjects ≥45 years old (response rate: 78.1%) were included in the study. We conducted detailed eye examinations including presenting visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, slit lamp examination of lens opacities and fundus examination. Questionnaires about lifestyle were administered. Measurements of blood pressure, heart rate and body mass index were collected. Serological metabolic indicators, including fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, lipoprotein, were also evaluated. We used stepwise multivariate logistic regression model to evaluate the association of these risk factors with any cataract and subtypes of cataract. Odds ratios of risk factors for cataract were calculated. For any cataract, we found age, gender (female), increased outdoor activity, no outdoor eye protection, high myopia, high low-density lipoprotein, low high-density lipoprotein, lower education level and increased pickled food intake were independent risk factors. When further examined the risk factors of different subtypes of cataract, we found that these risk factors also existed, but there were slight differences among different subtypes. In addition, for cortical cataract, lower annual family income and high diastolic pressure were additional independent risk factors. Reduced outdoor activity, outdoor eye protection, prevention of high myopia, higher education level, controlled blood pressure, improved high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein levels and reduced pickled food intake may help to reduce the risk of age-related cataract development.

Nrf2 as a target for prevention of age-related and diabetic cataracts by against oxidative stress.

SummaryCataract is one of the most important causes of blindness worldwide, with age‐related cataract being the most common one. Agents preventing cataract formation are urgently required. Substantial evidences point out aggravated oxidative stress as a vital factor for cataract formation. Nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch‐like erythroid‐cell‐derived protein with CNC homology (ECH)‐associated protein 1 (Keap1) system is considered as one of the main cellular defense mechanisms against oxidative stresses. This review discusses the role of Nrf2 pathway in the prevention of cataracts and highlights that Nrf2 suppressors may augment oxidative stress of the lens, and Nrf2 inducers may decrease the oxidative stress and prevent the cataract formation. Thus, Nrf2 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for cataract treatment.

Prevention and reversal of selenite-induced cataracts by N-acetylcysteine amide in Wistar rats

BackgroundThe 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 a control group, an N-acetylcysteine amide-only group, a sodium selenite-induced cataract group, and a NACA-treated sodium selenite-induced cataract group. Sodium selenite was injected intraperitoneally on postpartum day 10, whereas N-acetylcysteine amide was injected intraperitoneally on postpartum days 9, 11, and 13 in the respective groups. Cataracts were evaluated at the end of week 2 (postpartum day 14) when the rat pups opened their eyes. N-acetylcysteine amide eye drops were administered beginning on week 3 until the end of week 4 (postpartum days 15 to 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 the 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 level, thioltransferase 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 sodium selenite-induced cataract group. Furthermore, sodium selenite- injected rat pups had significantly higher levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione reductase enzyme activity, and calcium levels, which were reduced to control levels upon treatment with NACA.ConclusionsThe data suggest that NACA has the potential to significantly improve vision and decrease the burden of cataract-related loss of function. Prevention and reversal of cataract formation could have a global impact. Development of pharmacological agents like NACA may eventually prevent cataract formation in high-risk populations and may prevent progression of early-stage cataracts. This brings a paradigm shift from expensive surgical treatment of cataracts to relatively inexpensive prevention of vision loss.