Advances in pharmacological strategies for the prevention of cataract development.
Cataractous-opacification of the lens is one of the leading causes of blindness in India. The situation can be managed by surgical removal of the cataractous lens. Various pharmacological strategies have been proposed for the prevention and treatment of cataract. Information on possible benefits of putative anticataract agents comes from a variety of approaches, ranging from laboratory experiments, both in vitro and in vivo , to epidemiological studies in patients. This review deals with the various mechanisms, and possible pharmacological interventions for the prevention of cataract. The article also reviews research on potential anticataractous agents, including aldose reductase inhibitors, glutathione boosters, antiglycating agents, vitamins and various drugs from indigenous sources.
Gupta
S K
SK
Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Sector 3, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi-110 017, India. skgup@hotmail.com
Selvan
V Kalai
VK
Agrawal
S S
SS
Saxena
Rohit
R
D000449:Aldehyde Reductase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005978:Glutathione / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D012307:Risk Factors; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000975:Antioxidants; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D014815:Vitamins; D000449:Aldehyde Reductase; D005978:Glutathione