Phospholipid and protein contents of lens proteolipids in human senile cataract.
OBJECTIVE
This experimental study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the quantitative change, if any, in the phospholipids and protein contents of lens proteolipids during cataract formation, and to establish whether the phospholipid/protein content of the blood is related to cataractogenesis.


METHODS
A total of 120 human lenses were collected. Phospholipids and protein content in proteolipids of these lenses were estimated biochemically. Blood was examined from total 60 persons. Data obtained were analyzed with the help of the ANOVA program of SPSS software (version 7.5).


RESULTS
A significant (P<0.01) reduction of proteolipid-bound phospholipids was observed in cataracts as compared with the control lenses. An alteration was also noticed in the protein content of proteolipids in the cataractous lenses. Changes were also observed in serum total phospholipids (P<0.01) and total protein (P<0.01) in cataractous patients.


CONCLUSIONS
As proteolipids are the main constituents of the membranes of lens fibres, the alterations in its phospholipid and protein moieties may be suggestive of the disintegration of lens membranes, which ultimately leads to cataract formation. Gradual and constant variation in serum parameters may be one of the predisposing factors in cataractogenesis.
Siddique
M A
MA
Department of Ophthalmology, Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Silchar, India.
Tiwary
B K
BK
Paul
S B
SB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002386:Cataract / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D003459:Crystallins / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000032:analysis*; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D011510:Proteolipids / Q000737:chemistry*
D003459:Crystallins; D010743:Phospholipids; D011506:Proteins; D011510:Proteolipids