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Published on: May 13, 2022
Systemic redox modifications in senile cataract
Bogdana Vîrgolici1, Irina Stoian, Corina Muscurel
1Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
Summary
Senile cataract is linked to systemic oxidative stress and inflammation. Blood markers reveal significant changes in antioxidant capacity and inflammatory indicators in cataract patients compared to healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cataract formation is increasingly linked to systemic oxidative stress originating outside the eye.
- Elevated plasma inflammatory markers have been associated with senile cataract development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate correlations between blood oxidative stress markers and plasma inflammatory markers in patients with cataracts.
- To analyze these correlations across different age groups and in the presence or absence of other ocular conditions.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 38 cataract patients (aged 50-80) and 15 healthy controls.
- Patients were categorized into presenile/senile and pure/non-pure cataract groups based on age and comorbidities.
- Markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were measured and compared between groups.
Main Results:
- Cataract patients exhibited altered blood oxidative stress markers compared to controls.
- Significantly decreased plasma antioxidant capacity, antioxidant "gap", cholesterol, and albumin/globulin levels were observed.
- Increased red blood cell (RBC) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity, along with elevated plasma ceruloplasmin, were noted.
Conclusions:
- Blood redox status and specific inflammatory markers suggest senile cataract is a systemic disease.
- An inflammatory component is implicated in the pathogenesis of senile cataract.
- Findings highlight the systemic nature of cataract formation, involving oxidative stress and inflammation.
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