title: Defensive role of quercetin against imbalances of calcium, sodium, and potassium in galactosemic cataract.
abstract: Galactosemic cataracts are characterized by electrolyte disturbances resulting in osmotic imbalance and loss of transparency. We have studied the defensive role of quercetin, a bioflavonoid, against the alterations of calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+) concentrations in galactose-induced cataract in a rodent model. The experimental study was conducted on weanling male Wistar rats with an average body weight of 34 +/- 0.9 g. Different groups received normal stock AIN 93 diet (group A, n = 8), AIN 93 diet with 30% galactose (group B, n = 8), and AIN 93 diet with 30% galactose + quercetin at 400 mg/100 g diet (group C, n = 8). Aldose reductase activity and protein content and concentrations of Ca2+, Na+, and K+ were determined in normal and cataractous lenses. Treatment with quercetin resulted in a significant decrease in Na+ and Ca2+ and aldose reductase levels and an increase in K+ and protein levels in galactosemic cataractous lenses. These results imply that inclusion of quercetin contributes to lens transparency through the maintenance of characteristic osmotic ion equilibrium and protein levels of the lens.
authors.affiliation: Physiology Division, Department of Zoology, University College of Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad 500 007, India.
authors.forename: Banam Venkata
authors.initials: BV
authors.lastname: Ramana
authors.forename: Turlapati Naga
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Raju
authors.forename: Valavala Vijay
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Pullakurthi Uma Maheswara
authors.initials: PU
authors.lastname: Reddy
mesh_terms: D000449:Aldehyde Reductase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002386:Cataract / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005693:Galactosemias / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*; D011794:Quercetin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D011794:Quercetin; D012964:Sodium; D000449:Aldehyde Reductase; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium