Evidence for oxidative stress in lens epithelial cells in pseudoexfoliation syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the oxidative status in lens epithelial cells of patients with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome.


METHODS
Lens capsule samples obtained during cataract surgery of patients with PEX syndrome and normal age-matched control subjects were examined for changes in the levels of glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulphide (GSSG), protein concentration, and lipid peroxidation. Concentrations of GSH, GSSG, lipid peroxidation, and protein concentration were determined by specific fluorescent assays.


RESULTS
This study shows a 2.2- and 2.0-fold decrease in GSH and GSSG levels, respectively, in PEX lens epithelial lens compared with non-PEX lens epithelial cells, as well as a 2.5-fold increase in lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The increased MDA and decreased GSH levels indicate high oxidative stress. On the other hand, GSSG usually increases in cases of high-oxidative stress, but this is not always the case, as it may not always accumulate in cells. Our findings suggest a role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and the progression of PEX syndrome.
Gartaganis
S P
SP
Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece. s.gartag@med.upatras.gr
Patsoukis
N E
NE
Nikolopoulos
D K
DK
Georgiou
C D
CD
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D017889:Exfoliation Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism*; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D019803:Glutathione Disulfide / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000378:metabolism*; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000975:Antioxidants; D005136:Eye Proteins; D005978:Glutathione; D019803:Glutathione Disulfide