The oxidative stress in cataract patients.
BACKGROUND
The recent studies on cataract formation focus on the primary role of the systemic oxidative stress which is generated outside the lens. Our research was directed to assess the oxidative stress by measuring the lipid peroxidation products in the form of the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and the antioxidant enzyme levels in the blood. The antioxidant therapy may have a role to play in delaying the onset and the progression of age related cataracts.


METHODS
This was a case control study. It comprised of 100 age matched subjects (50 with cataracts and 50 controls) with their ages ranging from 45- 75 years. Oxidative stresses such as the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and the antioxidant enzymes, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione Peroxidase( GPX ) were investigated in all the patients and the controls.


RESULTS
Significantly increased levels of serum lipid peroxide in the form of Malondialdehyde (MDA) (p<0.001) were observed in the cataract patients as compared to the controls. Significantly decreased blood levels of SOD and GPX were observed in all the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
In the present study, it was concluded that oxidative stress plays an important role in the onset and the progression of cataracts. The pro-oxidant i.e. serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased in the cataract patients. The blood levels of the enzymatic anti-oxidants, SOD and GPX were decreased. The plasma TBARS can be used as biomarkers of the degeneration in the lens.
Assistant Professor,  Department of Biochemistry, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research ,  Amritsar, India.
Jaskiran
J
Kaur
Sahiba
S
Kukreja
Amandeep
A
Kaur
Naresh
N
Malhotra
Ravneet
R
Kaur
Cataract age related; Glutathione peroxidase; Lipid peroxidation(LPO); Oxidative stress; Plasma TBARS; Superoxide dismutase