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Published on: November 28, 2012
Prevention of selenite-induced cataractogenesis by rutin in Wistar rats
M Isai1, M Sakthivel, E Ramesh
1Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu, India.
Insights
Rutin supplementation effectively prevented selenite-induced cataracts in Wistar rat pups. This protective effect may stem from maintaining antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced glutathione levels while inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness, often linked to oxidative stress.
- Selenium compounds can induce cataracts, highlighting the need for protective agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of rutin in preventing selenite-induced cataracts in Wistar rat pups.
- To investigate rutin's impact on antioxidant defense mechanisms and oxidative damage markers.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rat pups were administered sodium selenite to induce cataracts.
- One group received rutin concurrently with sodium selenite, while a control group received saline.
- Lens and hemolysate samples were analyzed for antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.
Main Results:
- Sodium selenite induced significant lenticular opacification and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity.
- Rutin administration significantly reduced cataract formation compared to the selenite-only group.
- Rutin treatment preserved GSH levels and decreased MDA concentrations, indicating reduced oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Rutin demonstrates a protective effect against experimental selenite-induced cataractogenesis.
- The mechanism involves preserving antioxidant enzyme function and GSH levels, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
- Rutin shows potential as a therapeutic agent for preventing certain types of cataracts.
Purpose:
To investigate whether rutin retards selenite-induced cataractogenesis in Wistar rat pups.
Methods:
On postpartum day ten, Group I rat pups received an intraperitoneal injection of saline. Group II and III rat pups received a subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite. Group III also received an intraperitoneal injection of rutin once daily on postpartum days 9-14. Both eyes of each pup were examined from day 16 up to postpartum day 30. After sacrifice, extricated pup lenses were analyzed for mean activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione reductase. In addition, the mean concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) and of malondialdehyde were analyzed in samples of lenses and hemolysate.
Results:
There was dense lenticular opacification in all of Group II, minimal opacification in 33.3% of Group III, no opacification in 66.7% of Group III, and no opacification in Group I. Significantly lower mean activities of lenticular antioxidant enzymes were noted in Group II, compared to Group I and III. Significantly lower mean concentrations of GSH and higher mean concentrations of malondialdehyde were noted in samples of hemolysate and lens from Group II, compared to the values in Group I and III.
Conclusion:
Rutin prevents experimental selenite-induced cataractogenesis in rat pups, possibly by preventing depletion of antioxidant enzymes and of GSH, and by inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
