[Analysis of 7 elements in the serum and lens of senile cataract patients]

The contents of Fe, Al, Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg and P in the serum and lens of senile cataract patients were determined with inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry to find that (1) the Fe, Al, Zn and Ca levels in senile cataractous lenses were significantly higher, and the P level lower than those in normal subjects; however, the serum levels of Fe, Al, Zn and Ca were significantly lower, and the level of P higher than those in normal subjects; (2) the serum levels of Cu and Zn varied with the duration of cataract, which could explain the inconsistency among authors with regard to these parameters; (3) the relation between Fe and Al and the development of cataract remained to be elucidated; (4) the Ca/P ratio in senile cataractous lenses was 50 times (1:0.02) that in clear lenses; these 2 elements were regarded to have close relation with cataractogenesis; and (5) Cu and Mg were not related to cataractogenesis, a finding in agreement with most reports.