Inhibitory effect of lycopene on cataract development in galactosemic rats

This study investigated the effect of antioxidants on cataract formation in galactosemic rats. Two antioxicants were compared: lycopene, a carotenoid derived from tomato, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a known antioxidant substance. The control group was fed with galactose 30%. The experimental groups received, in addition to galactose 30%, either lycopene 0.8% or BHT 0.2%. Cataractogenesis was evaluated by the incidence of cataract, grading of cataract, histology of the lenses, aldose reductase (AR) activity, protein levels, and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents in the lens. In both experiemtal groups: 1) the incidence and grading of cataract were lower, 2) the protein levels and GSH content were higher, and 3) the AR was decreased compared to the control group. In conclusion, "natural antioxidants" such as lycopene derived from tomato have a similar effect as BHT in delaying cataractogenesis in rats.