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Abnormal redox status without increased lipid peroxidation in sugar cataract
A C Woollard1, Z A Bascal, G R Armstrong
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University College London, United Kingdom.
Diabetes
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Phenolic antioxidants like BHT and BHA do not inhibit galactosemic cataract formation. This suggests that lipid peroxidation, specifically inhibited by these compounds, is not a key factor in this eye condition.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Galactosemic cataract is a significant complication of galactosemia.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in cataractogenesis, but the specific mechanisms are debated.
- Phenolic antioxidants like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are known inhibitors of lipid peroxidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of BHT and BHA in preventing galactosemic cataract formation.
- To determine if lipid peroxidation is a critical pathway in galactosemic cataract development.
- To clarify the contribution of oxidative stress to galactosemic cataracts.
Main Methods:
- Administering BHT and BHA to galactosemic rats.
- Assessing cataract formation in treated and control galactosemic rats.
- Measuring stable lipid peroxidation products in rat lenses using the thiobarbituric acid assay.
- Analyzing Fe2+ oxidant levels in galactosemic lens homogenates.
Main Results:
- BHT and BHA did not significantly inhibit galactosemic cataract formation.
- No enhancement of stable lipid peroxidation products was observed in galactosemic rat lenses.
- Galactosemic lens homogenates showed increased levels of an Fe2+ oxidant, potentially a peroxide.
- The results conflict with previous reports suggesting antioxidant inhibition of galactosemic cataracts.
Conclusions:
- BHT- and BHA-inhibitable lipid peroxidation does not play a significant role in galactosemic cataract formation.
- Oxidative stress may still be involved, but not through the specific pathway targeted by these phenolic antioxidants.
- Other drug effects, such as feeding inhibition or detoxification pathway induction, should be considered when evaluating potential treatments for galactosemic cataracts.