Risk Factor For Age-related Cataract Research Articles

Dyslipidemia: A risk factor for cataract.

Objective: To determine lipid profile in patients of age-related cataract and compared them with age-matched controls. Study Design: Case Control study. Setting: Naseer Memorial Hospital, Dadyal. Period: January 2022 to December 2022. Material & Methods: A total of 300 patients were recruited using a consecutive non-probability sampling method and divided in two groups, one control and the other having cataract. The patients underwent a thorough ocular assessment and lipid profile evaluation. Inclusion criteria was age 40 years or older of any gender having senile cataracts of any morphological form. Exclusion criteria was history of ocular trauma, systemic disease, ocular surgery, oral steroids or cataract other than senile cause. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. The results showed that patients with senile cataracts had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, and significantly lower levels of HDL cholesterol than the controls. The collected data was entered in the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21 for analysis. Independent t test was applied and p value ≤ 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: It was found that patients with senile cataracts had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL and significantly lower levels of HDL than the age-matched controls. Conclusion: The findings suggested that dyslipidemia is a modifiable risk factor for age-related cataract.

HO-1-Mediated Autophagic Restoration Protects Lens Epithelial Cells Against Oxidative Stress and Cellular Senescence.

Oxidative stress and cellular senescence are risk factors for age-related cataract. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) is a critical antioxidant enzyme and related to autophagy. Here, we investigate the crosstalk among HO-1, oxidative stress, and cellular senescence in mouse lens epithelial cells (LECs). The gene expression of HO-1, p21, LC3, and p62 was measured in human samples. The protective properties of HO-1 were examined in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-damaged LECs. Autophagic flux was examined by Western blot and mRFP-GFP-LC3 assay. Western blotting and lysotracker staining were used to analyze lysosomal function. Flow cytometry was used to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species and analyze cell cycle. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase assay was used to determine cellular senescence. The crosstalk between HO-1 and transcription factor EB (TFEB) was further observed in TFEB-knockdown cells. The TFEB binding site in the promoter region of Hmox1 was predicted by the Jasper website and was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. HO-1 gene expression decreased in LECs of patients with age-related nuclear cataract, whereas mRNA expression levels of p21, LC3, and p62 increased. Upon H2O2-induced oxidative stress, LECs showed the characteristics of autophagic flux blockade, lysosomal dysfunction, and premature senescence. Interestingly, HO-1 significantly restored the impaired autophagic flux and lysosomal function and delayed cellular senescence. TFEB gene silencing greatly reduced the HO-1-mediated autophagic restoration, leading to a failure to prevent LECs from oxidative stress and premature senescence. We demonstrated HO-1 effects on restoring autophagic flux and delaying cellular senescence under oxidative stress in LECs, which are dependent on TFEB.

Association of Behavioral and Clinical Risk Factors With Cataract: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.

To investigate the association of genetically determined primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), myopic refractive error (RE), type 2 diabetes (T2D), blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption with the risk of age-related cataract. To assess potential causal effects of clinical or behavioral factors on cataract risk, we conducted two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses. Genetic instruments, based on common genetic variants associated with risk factors at genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10-8), were derived from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS). For age-related cataract, we used GWAS summary statistics from our previous GWAS conducted in the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging (GERA) cohort (28,092 cataract cases and 50,487 controls; all non-Hispanic whites) or in the UK Biobank (31,852 cataract cases and 428,084 controls; all European-descent individuals). We used the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method as our primary source of Mendelian randomization estimates and conducted common sensitivity analyses. We found that genetically determined POAG and mean spherical equivalent RE were significantly associated with cataract risk (IVW model: odds ratio [OR] = 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.08; P = 0.018; per diopter more hyperopic: OR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.89-0.93; P = 6.51 × 10-13, respectively). In contrast, genetically determined T2D, BP, BMI, cigarette smoking, or alcohol consumption were not associated with cataract risk (P > 0.05). Our results provide evidence that genetic risks for POAG and myopia may be causal risk factors for age-related cataract. These results are consistent with previous observational studies reporting associations of myopia with cataract risk. This information may support population cataract risk stratification and screening strategies.

Genotype, Age, Genetic Background, and Sex Influence Epha2-Related Cataract Development in Mice.

PurposeAge-related cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Variants in the EPHA2 gene increase the disease risk, and its knockout in mice causes cataract. We investigated whether age, sex, and genetic background, risk factors for age-related cataract, and Epha2 genotype influence Epha2-related cataract development in mice.MethodsCataract development was monitored in Epha2+/+, Epha2+/−, and Epha2−/− mice (Epha2Gt(KST085)Byg) on C57BL/6J and FVB:C57BL/6J (50:50) backgrounds. Cellular architecture of lenses, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and redox state were determined using histological, molecular, and analytical techniques.ResultsEpha2−/− and Epha2+/− mice on C57BL/6J background developed severe cortical cataracts by 18 and 38 weeks of age, respectively, compared to development of similar cataract significantly later in Epha2−/− mice and no cataract in Epha2+/− mice in this strain on FVB background, which was previously reported. On FVB:C57BL/6J background, Epha2−/− mice developed severe cortical cataract by 38 weeks and Epha2+/− mice exhibited mild cortical cataract up to 64 weeks of age. Progression of cataract in Epha2−/− and Epha2+/− female mice on C57BL/6J and mixed background, respectively, was slower than in matched male mice. N-cadherin and β-catenin immunolabeling showed disorganized lens fiber cells and disruption of lens architecture in Epha2−/− and Epha2+/− lenses, coinciding with development of severe cataracts. EPHA2 immunolabeling showed intracellular accumulation of the mutant EPHA2-β-galactosidase fusion protein that induced a cytoprotective ER stress response and in Epha2+/− lenses was also accompanied by glutathione redox imbalance.ConclusionsBoth, Epha2−/− and Epha2+/− mice develop age-related cortical cataract; age as a function of Epha2 genotype, sex, and genetic background influence Epha2-related cataractogenesis in mice.

Hyperglycemia and Hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia Are Primary Risk Factors for Age-related Cataract, and a Korean-style Balanced Diet has a Negative Association, based on the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study.

BackgroundThe prevalence of cataracts is steadily increasing among the middle-aged and elderly worldwide. We hypothesized that adults aged > 50 years with age-related cataracts (ARCs) have an association with metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components, and MS has interactions with different dietary patterns and lifestyles that affect ARC risk. We examined the hypothesis using the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES; a large-scale hospital-based cohort study), which collected data between 2004–2013.MethodsParticipants ≥ 50 years old were classified as cases (1,972 ARC patients) and controls (38,290 healthy controls) based on a diagnosis of cataract by a physician. MS and its components were defined using WHO definitions for Asians. Dietary consumption was evaluated using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ), which contained 106 foods, and dietary patterns were analyzed by principal component analysis. After adjusting for potential covariates, logistic regression was used to investigate associations between MS and its components and between dietary patterns and a positive cataract history.ResultsARC had a positive association with MS after 1.32-fold adjusting for age, sex, residence area, body mass index, and energy intake. Plasma glucose and HbA1c concentrations exhibited an increased ARC risk in the participants with MS by 1.50- and 1.92-fold and without MS by 1.35 and 1.88-fold, respectively. Serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations were negatively associated with ARC risk only in the MS patients, but not without MS. However, blood pressure, abdominal obesity, and serum triglyceride concentrations did not associate with ARC risk regardless of MS. High intake of a Korean-balanced diet (KBD) containing fermented food exhibited a negative association with ARC risk (OR = 0.81) only in the MS group. The fat and coffee intake had a negative association with ARC only in the non-MS group. Current- and former-smokers were positively associated with ARC risk.ConclusionPersons who have hyperglycemia and low-HDL-cholesterolemia had increased susceptibility of ARC prevalence. A KBD with a proper amount of fat (≥ 15%) is recommended, and smoking should be prohibited.

Obesity as a risk factor for age-related cataract in a Nigerian population

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between obesity and age-related cataract in a Nigerian Population. Materials and Methods: Ninety adult patients aged between 45 and 65 years with age-related cataract were matched with ninety adult patients aged between 45and 65 years without cataract based on age and gender. Pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to obtain information on demographics, educational levels, and occupation. Cataract was evaluated using a modified World Health Organization grading system. Body mass index (BMI) was categorized into four groups (underweight: BMI 15–19.9; normal weight: BMI 20–24.9; overweight: BMI 25–29.9; and obese: BMI >30). The association between degree and type of cataract and obesity was evaluated. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. Confidence intervals of 95% and P < 0.005 were considered statistically significant. Results: Female participants had significantly higher mean BMI than males (27.56 ± 6.33 vs. 24.95 ± 4.35 P = 0.002). There was however no statistically significant difference noted in mean BMI based on the age groups or the levels of education. There was no statistically significant difference in BMI between participants with and without cataract (26.16 ± 5.87 vs. 27.56 ± 6.33, P = 0.824) regardless of the type and grade of cataract. Conclusion: The study showed a lack of association between obesity and cataract, further studies are required to explore causality.

Comprehensive Profiling of Proteome and Ubiquitome Changes in Human Lens Epithelial Cell Line after Ultraviolet-B Irradiation.

Ultraviolet-B (UVB) is a recognized risk factor for age-related cataract (ARC) and can cause various changes, including ubiquitination, in lens epithelial cells (LECs). However, the relationship between ubiquitination and ARC is unclear. Herein, we used UVB-irradiated human lens epithelial cell line (SRA01/04) representing the cell model of ARC to investigate the profile changes in the proteome and ubiquitome. A total of 552 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 871 differentially ubiquitinated proteins (DUPs) were identified, and 9 ubiquitination motifs were found. Bioinformatics analysis revealed diverse pathways and biological processes of differential proteins and several DNA damage repair proteins that were potentially mediated via ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. We validated the decreased protein expression of DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit RPB2 (POLR2B) in both human cataract capsule tissues and UVB-treated SRA01/04 cells and found that treatment with proteasome inhibitor (MG-132) could reverse the protein level of POLR2B in UVB-irradiated SRA01/04 cells. Our data provide novel information regarding protein expressions and ubiquitination modifications in UVB-induced oxidative damage model. This study might offer a cell-level reference to further investigate the pathogenesis of ARC.

The relationship between major intrinsic protein genes and cataract.

Genetic factors play an essential role in the development of cataracts, and the major intrinsic protein (MIP) gene is a type of causative genes. Our study aims to discuss the current research progress ofMIPgenes responsible for cataractogenesis in DNA and protein levels, which is essential in achieving a response to the molecular deficiencies and pathophysiologic features of cataract. We developed a search strategy using a combination of the words "Cataract", "Mutation","MIPgene", and "AQP0" to identify all articles from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to December 2019. To find more articles and to ensure that databases were thoroughly searched, the reference lists of selected items were also reviewed. A total of 29 MIP gene mutations causing congenital cataract were obtained by searching these databases and analyzing the results of genetic mutation pathogenicity prediction software tools; most of them caused amino acid codon changes in the H4, H5, H6, C-TIDs, and loop C in the structure of the MIP protein. However, there was no clear causality between lens morphology, phenotypes, and genotypes. The genotype TC in polymorphism c.-4T > C and haplotype CCG of rs2269348, c.-4T > C, and rs74641138 in MIP may attach an additional genetic risk factor for age-related cataract. These single-base mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms might be importantly involved in the pathogenesis of congenital cataract and age-related cataract, respectively. This review provides a significant reference for clinical trials and theoretical studies.

Prevalence and risk factors for age-related cataract in Sweden

Background Cataract is a major cause of visual impairment worldwide. There is a paucity of prevalence studies from Sweden. Therefore, we report the prevalence of cataract and its risk factors in a population-based study of older adults in Sweden. Methods The Tierp Glaucoma Survey was conducted in the municipality of Tierp, Sweden, including 760 subjects aged 65–74 years. The presence of cataract was determined based on retroillumination, with lens opacities evident on slit-lamp examination. To assess risk factors for cataract, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated, adjusted for age and gender. Results A total of 234 individuals were found to have cataract, 12 of whom had undergone cataract surgery. The prevalence adjusted for nonparticipation was 31.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 29.4–33.6), 35.2% (95% CI 28.7–41.8) in females and 26.2% (95% CI 19.8–32.6) in males. Cataract was associated with age ≥70 years (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.41–2.64), female gender (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.12–2.11), and myopia (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.16–3.56), while pseudoexfoliation, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and ischaemic heart disease were not. Conclusion Nearly one-third of the sample were estimated to have lens opacities, or had undergone cataract surgery, making cataract a frequent disorder of older age. The study provided further evidence that increasing age, female gender, and myopia are associated with cataract.

Allelic interaction effects of DNA damage and repair genes on the predisposition to age-related cataract.

PurposeAge-related cataract (ARC) is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. DNA damage and malfunction of DNA repair are believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of ARC. Aside from increasing age, the risk factors for ARC appear to be rather complex, and one or more gene variations could play critical roles in the diverse processes of ARC progression. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of different genetic variants on ARC risk.MethodsA cohort of 789 ARC patients and 531 normal controls from the Jiangsu Eye Study was included in this study. Genotyping of 18 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 4 DNA damage/repair genes was performed using TaqMan SNP assays. SNP-SNP interactions were analyzed via multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR), classification and regression tree (CART) and genetic risk score (GRS) analyses.ResultsBased on single-locus analyses of the 18 SNPs examined, WRN-rs11574311 (T>C) was associated with ARC risk. However, in MDR, the gene-gene interaction among the five SNPs (WRN-rs4733220 (G>A), WRN-rs1801195 (T>G), OGG1-rs2072668 (G>C) and OGG1-rs2304277 (A>G)) on ARC risk was significant (OR = 5.03, 95% CI: 3.54~7.13). CART analyses also revealed that the combination of five SNPs above was the best polymorphic signature for discriminating between the cases and the controls. The overall odds ratio for CART ranged from 4.56 to 7.90 showing an incremental risk for ARC. This result indicated that these critical SNPs participate in complex interactions. The GRS results showed an increased risk for ARC among individuals with the SNPs in this polymorphic signature.ConclusionThe use of multifactorial analysis (or an integrated approach) rather than a single methodology could be an improved strategy for identifying complex gene interactions. The multifactorial approach used in this study has the potential to identify complex biological relationships among ARC-related genes and processes. This approach will lead to the discovery of novel biological information, ultimately improving ARC risk management.

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.

Association between polymorphisms of OGG1, EPHA2 and age-related cataract risk: a meta-analysis.

BackgroundEvidences have identified the correlation of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 (OGG1) and eph-receptor tyrosine kinase-type A2 (EPHA2) polymorphisms in age-related cataract (ARC) risk. However, the results were not consistent. The objective of this study was to examine the role of these two gene polymorphisms in ARC susceptibility.MethodsEligible case–control studies published between January 2000 and 2015 were searched and retrieved in the electronic databases. The odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval (CI) was employed to calculate the strength of the relationship.ResultsWe totally screened out six articles, including 5971 cataract patients and 4189 matched controls. Three variants were contained (OGG1 rs1052133; EPHA2 rs7543472 and rs11260867). For OGG1 rs1052133, we detected a significant correlation between OGG1 polymorphism and ARC risk under the heterogenous model (CG vs. CC: OR = 1.34, 95 % CI = 1.06–1.70, P = 0.01) and dominant model (GG+CG vs. CC: OR = 1.45, 95 % CI = 1.16–1.81, P = 0.001), especially in patients with cortical cataract of subgroup analysis by phenotypes (P < 0.05). For EPHA2 rs7543472 and rs11260867, we did not find a positive association between these two mutations and ARC susceptibility in total cases. Subgroup analysis by phenotypes of cataract showed that only in cortical cataract, genotypes of rs7543472 under the allele model, homogenous model and recessive model; genotypes of rs11260867 under the heterogenous model and dominant model were associated with ARC risk.ConclusionsOGG1 rs1052133 (CG and CG+GG genotypes) might be risk factor for ARC, particularly in cortical cataract risk. EPHA2 rs7543472 (T allele and TT genotype) and rs11260867 (CG and GG+CG genotypes) might be associated with cortical cataract.

Cumulative Lead Exposure and Incidence of Age-related Cataract in Older Men

Purpose: Cumulative lead exposure has been suggested as a risk factor for age-related cataract (ARC) A previous study in a cohort of elderly men reported a significant association between cumulative lead exposure and risk of ARC. Here, we extended this analysis and examined new incident cases of ARC in relation to lead exposure. We also evaluated potential effect modification by dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins, calcium and iron. Methods: This study includes ARC-free 632 males (mean age=66.2±6.4 years) from the Normative Aging Study who had tibia and patella lead levels measured by K X-ray fluorescence (KXRF) from 1991 to 1999. Cataract status was graded through Slit Lamp Exam and ARC cases were defined as those who had cataract surgery or were diagnosed as any subtype of cataract grade 3 or higher. Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of incident ARC. Calorie-adjusted daily intake of iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids were computed and dichotomized at the median (low vs. high) for testing effect modification. Results: Of 632 participants, we identified 208 incident ARC at the end of follow-up (316 cases/10,000 person years). After adjusting for important confounders, tibia lead was significantly associated with incident ARC (HR per interquartile range increase (IQR:15 μg/g) =1.21, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.40, p=0.03). We found a weaker and non-significant association with patella lead (HR per IQR increase (20 μg/g) =1.05, 95% CI: 0.52, 2.11, p=0.11). The association between tibia lead and ARC was stronger in people with lower carotene intake and higher intake of vitamins C, D and E and iron and calcium but the interaction terms were not statistically significant . Conclusions: Our findings reinforce that cumulative lead exposure is an important risk factor for ARC. We found no consistent patterns in effect modification by nutrients.

Serum Selenium Concentration is Associated With the Development of Age- Related Cataract

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between the occurrence of age-related cataract (ARC) and the concentration of serum selenium. Methods: A study group included 95 cataract patients (36 men, 59 women), aged 56-89 years (72.4 ± 7.25), not suffering from other ocular diseases or systemic diseases with proven impact on the eye function or on blood levels of electrolytes. A control group consisted of 187 healthy subjects (71 men, 116 women); mean age-70.9 years old ± 7.36 (range of age: 53-88 years old). Selection matching criteria for the control group were: sex, age (± 3 years) and smoking. Subjects taking any supplements were excluded from the study. Measurement of serum selenium concentration was carried out by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Statistical analysis was performed by Fisher`s exact test. Results: 1) Lower levels of selenium were associated with greater occurrence of cataract, 2) The threshold point of selenium level for an increase of ARC was ~70 μg/l for females and ~73 μg/l for males 3) The optimal selenium level in ARC patients was estimated 75-85 μg/l and >80-85 μg/l for women and men respectively. Conclusions: 1) Concentration of selenium in the blood serum may be a marker of occurrence of age-related cataracts. 2) The low selenium levels may be a risk factor for age-related cataract in the population with low selenium baseline level.

Associations of Polymorphisms in MTHFR Gene with the Risk of Age-Related Cataract in Chinese Han Population: A Genotype-Phenotype Analysis.

Homocysteine (Hcy) is a potential risk factor for age-related cataract (ARC). Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is the key enzyme for Hcy metabolism, and variants of MTHFR may affect MTHFR enzyme activity. This study mainly evaluated the associations between variants in MTHFR gene, plasma MTHFR enzyme activity, total Hcy (tHcy) levels and ARC risk in Chinese population. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MTHFR gene were genotyped using the high-resolution melting (HRM) method in 502 ARC patients (mean age, 70.2 [SD, 9.0], 46.0% male) and 890 healthy controls (mean age, 67.1 [SD, 11.1], 47.6% male). The plasma MTHFR activity, folic acid (FA), vitamins B12 and B6 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The plasma tHcy levels were measured by an automated enzymatic assay. After the Bonferroni correction, the minor allele T of SNP rs1801133 showed a significant association with an increased risk of overall ARC (OR = 1.26, P = 0.003). Consistent association was also found between SNP rs1801133 and cortical ARC risk (OR = 1.44, P = 0.003). Haplotype analyses revealed an adverse effect of the haplotype "C-A-T-C" (alleles in order of SNPs rs3737967, rs1801131, rs1801133 and rs9651118) on ARC risk (OR = 1.55, P = 0.003). Moreover, in a joint analysis of SNPs rs9651118 and rs1801133, subjects with two unfavorable genotypes had a 1.76-fold increased risk of ARC compared with the reference group, and a statistically significant dose-response trend (Ptrend = 0.001) was also observed. Further, in healthy controls and patients with cortical ARC, the allele T of SNP rs1801133 and the increasing number of unfavorable genotypes were significantly correlated with decreased MTHFR activity as well as increased tHcy levels. However, there was no significant association between FA, vitamins B12, B6 levels and MTHFR variants. Our data indicated that variants in MTHFR gene might individually and jointly influence susceptibility to ARC by affecting MTHFR enzyme activity and tHcy levels.

Sodium Intake and Socioeconomic Status as Risk Factors for Development of Age-Related Cataracts: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

PurposeCataract is a very prevalent ocular disorder, and environmental risk factors for age-related cataracts have been widely investigated. We aimed to evaluate an association of dietary sodium intake and socioeconomic factors with the development of age-related cataracts.MethodsA cross-sectional case-control study based on the 2008–2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Dietary sodium intake was estimated using urinary sodium to creatinine ratio (U[Na+]/Cr).ResultsAmong a total 12,693 participants, 2,687 (21.1%) had cataracts and 10,006 patients without cataracts served as controls. The prevalence of cataracts increased with age and quartiles of U[Na+]/Cr (p for trend < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that factors related to the development of cataracts were age ≥ 50 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 15.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.31‒17.69), low income (aOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.64–2.09), low educational attainment (aOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.57–1.96), and high sodium intake (U[Na+]/Cr > 16.4 mmol/mmol; aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.16–1.44). In a subgroup analysis, a robust effect on cataracts across U[Na+]/Cr quartiles was observed in patients ≥ 50 years of age (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04–1.18), though not in younger patients (aOR 1.06, 95% CI 0.96–1.17).ConclusionsOur results suggest that high sodium intake and low socioeconomic status may affect the development of cataracts, and that a low-salt diet could be helpful for the prevention of cataracts in an older population. Furthermore, efforts to close gaps in health services due to socioeconomic factors may contribute to a reduction in the prevalence of cataracts.

Is there association between Glutathione S Transferases polymorphisms and cataract risk: a meta-analysis?

BackgroundGlutathione S transferase (GST) polymorphisms have been considered as risk factors for age-related cataracts, but the results remain controversial. In this study, we have performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 and cataract risk.MethodsPublished literature from PubMed and other databases were retrieved. The case–control studies regarding the association between GSTM1 or GSTT1 polymorphism and cataract risk were included. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random- or fixed-effects model.ResultsFifteen studies on GSTM1 (3,065 patients and 2,105 controls), and nine studies on GSTT1 (2,374 patients and 1,544 controls) were included. By pooling all the studies, GSTM1 null polymorphism was not associated with cataract risk, and this negative association maintained in subgroup analyses. However, GSTT1 null polymorphism was significantly associated with increased risk of posterior subcapsular (OR, 1.42; 95 % CI, 1.04–1.94) but not other subtypes of cataract. Stratified analyses demonstrated an association of GSTT1 null genotype with increased risk of cataract in Asian (OR, 1.44; 95 % CI, 1.14–1.83) but not Caucasian populations. In addition, seven pooled studies showed no association of cataract risk with the combined GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis suggests that GSTT1 null polymorphism is associated with increased risk of posterior subcapsular cataract. Given the limited sample size, the association between GSTT1 null polymorphism and cataract risk in Asian awaits further investigation.

Study on gene-gene, gene-environmental interactions of DNA repair genes related with age-related cataract

To investigate the interaction between polymorphisms and environment factors in age related cataract (ARC). Population-based case-control study. All of 448 cataract cases were selected from cataract eye database and 248 controls were recruited from Funing county. All 18 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of WRN, OGG1, BLM and ERCC6 genes were genotyped using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The possible risk of ARC was estimated by unconditional Logistic regression. The interaction effects between gene-gene and gene-environment were evaluated by use of multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR). Risk of ARC in illiterate group was significantly increased (OR = 1.53, P < 0.05), compared to no illiterate group. The risk of cataract in farmers was significantly high with ORs of 3.75. Long exposure to sunlight may increase cataract risk. Factors such as smoking, drinking, hypertension had no relationship with ARC (P > 0.05). WRN-rs11574311 was still associated with ARC with statistical significance after Bonferroni correction (OR = 1.98, Pa<0.018). There was no evidence for any association at a significance level of P < 0.05 for the remaining alleles. MDR analysis showed a significant interaction model among the six factors: education, solar radiation, WRN-rs11574311, WRN-rs1801195, WRN-rs4733220 and BLM-rs17273206 (consistency inspection accuracy of 0.683 on average, cross validation at 10/10, P = 0.005). Logistic regression model showed that the "high-risk" individuals had a significantly increased risk of ARC, compared to those "low- risk" individual classified by the MDR mode mentioned above(OR = 5.51, P < 0.05). WRN-rs11574311 allele was the risk factor for ARC, and individuals who carried WRN-rs1801195, WRN-rs4733220 and BLM-rs17273206 allele and low level of education, long sunlight time significantly increased the risk of the ARC.

Tryptophan Cluster Protects Human γD‐Crystallin from Ultraviolet Radiation‐Induced Photoaggregation In Vitro

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a significant risk factor for age-related cataract, a disease of the human lens and the most prevalent cause of blindness in the world. Cataract pathology involves protein misfolding and aggregation of the primary proteins of the lens, the crystallins. Human γD-crystallin (HγD-Crys) is a major γ-crystallin in the nucleus of the human lens. We report here analysis of UVR-induced damage to HγD-Crys in vitro. Irradiation of solutions of recombinant HγD-Crys with UVA/UVB light produced a rise in solution turbidity due to polymerization of the monomeric crystallins into higher molecular weight aggregates. A significant fraction of this polymerized protein was covalently linked. Photoaggregation of HγD-Crys required oxygen and its rate was protein concentration and UVR dose dependent. To investigate the potential roles of individual tryptophan residues in photoaggregation, triple W:F mutants of HγD-Crys were irradiated. Surprisingly, despite reducing UVR absorbing capacity, multiple W:F HγD-Crys mutant proteins photoaggregated more quickly and extensively than wild type. The results reported here are consistent with previous studies that postulated that an energy transfer mechanism between the highly conserved pairs of tryptophan residues in HγD-Crys could be protective against UVR-induced photodamage.

Risk Factors Associated with Incident Cataracts and Cataract Surgery in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS): AREDS Report Number 32

To investigate potential risk factors associated with incident nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular (PSC) cataracts and cataract surgery in participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). Clinic-based prospective cohort study. Persons (n = 4425) 55 to 80 years of age enrolled in a controlled clinical trial of antioxidant vitamins and minerals, AREDS, for age-related macular degeneration and cataract. Lens photographs were graded centrally for nuclear, cortical, and PSC opacities using the AREDS system for classifying cataracts. Type-specific incident cataracts were defined as an increase in cataract grade from none or mild at baseline to a grade of moderate at follow-up, also with a grade of at least moderate at the final visit, or cataract surgery. Cox regression analyses were used to assess baseline risk factors associated with type-specific opacities and cataract surgery. Moderate cataract was defined as a grade of 4.0 or more for nuclear opacity, 10% or more involvement within the full visible lens for cortical opacity, and 5% or more involvement of the central 5-mm circle of the lens for PSC opacity. These were graded on baseline and annual lens photographs. A clinic-based cohort of 4425 persons 55 to 80 years of age at baseline was followed up for an average of 9.8±2.4 years. The following associations were found: increasing age with increased risk of all types of cataract and cataract surgery; males with increased risk of PSC and decreased risk of cortical cataracts; nonwhite persons with increased risk of cortical cataract; hyperopia with decreased risk of PSC, nuclear cataract, and cataract surgery; Centrum (Wyeth Consumer Healthcare, Madison, NJ) use with decreased risk of nuclear cataract; diabetes with increased risk of cortical, PSC cataract, and cataract surgery; higher educational level with decreased risk of cortical cataract; and smoking with increased risk of cortical cataract and cataract surgery. Estrogen replacement therapy in female participants increased the risk of cataract surgery. These findings largely are consistent with the results of previous studies, providing further evidence for possible modifiable risk factors for age-related cataract. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.