Prevention of selenite-induced cataractogenesis in Wistar albino rats by aqueous extract of garlic.
OBJECTIVE
The main aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory impacts of the aqueous extract of garlic (Ga) on the formation of cataract induced by sodium selenite (Se).


METHODS
Thirty-two Wistar albino rat pups (4 equal groups: G1, G2, G3, and G4) were treated as follows: G1, subcutaneous (s.c.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of normal saline (0.3 mL) on postpartum (day 10); G2, i.p. injection of aqueous extract of garlic (1 mL/kg body weight) and s.c. injection of normal saline (0.3 mL) on postpartum (day 10); G3, s.c. injection of sodium selenite (20 nmol/g body weight) and i.p. injection of normal saline (0.3 mL) on postpartum (day 10); and G4, s.c. injection of sodium selenite (20 nmol/g body weight) and i.p. injection of aqueous extract of garlic (1 mL/kg body weight) on postpartum (day 10). Daily i.p. injections of aqueous extract of garlic (in G2 and G4) and normal saline (in G1 and G3) were continued for 14 days. The development of cataract was assessed over a period of 2 weeks after injection of sodium selenite. For further examination, the rats' lenses were removed and analyzed for glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities.


RESULTS
In G3 (Se-treated group), all rats developed grade 3 cataract in both eyes. However, in G1 (untreated control group), G2 (Ga-treated group), and G4 (Ga-Se-treated group), the lenses in both eyes of all rats remained clear (P < 0.0001). This clinical finding was associated with higher GSH level and GPX, SOD activities and lower level of MDA in the Se- and Ga-treated group (G4) compared with SS-treated group (G3) rat lenses (P < 0.003).


CONCLUSIONS
Intraperitoneal injection of the Ga in rat model appeared to effectively prevent Se-induced cataract, thus such herbal remedy may be considered for treatment of cataract.
Department of Ophthalmology, Nikookari Eye Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Alireza
A
Javadzadeh
Amir
A
Ghorbanihaghjo
Sara
S
Arami
Nadereh
N
Rashtchizadeh
Mehran
M
Mesgari
Mandana
M
Rafeey
Yadollah
Y
Omidi
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002386:Cataract / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005737:Garlic / Q000737:chemistry*; D005978:Glutathione / Q000032:analysis; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000032:analysis; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000032:analysis; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D018038:Sodium Selenite; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000032:analysis
D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D005978:Glutathione; D018038:Sodium Selenite