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The effect of apricots on the experimental cataract model formed by sodium selenite
Selim Doganay1, Cem Duz, Penpe Gul Firat
1Inonu University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Malatya, Turkey. odoganay@windowslive.com
Insights
Sun-dried apricots may prevent cataracts. This study found that apricots reduced oxidative stress markers in rat pups, suggesting a protective effect against selenite-induced cataracts.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nutritional Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness.
- Oxidative stress plays a significant role in cataract formation.
- Sodium selenite-induced cataracts in rats serve as a model for studying cataract development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential preventive effects of sun-dried apricots on experimental cataracts.
- To assess the impact of apricot consumption on oxidative stress markers in the lens.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-nine Spraque-Dawley rat pups were divided into control and apricot-fed groups.
- Experimental cataracts were induced using subcutaneous sodium selenite injection.
- Cataract development was monitored via slit-lamp examination and photography.
- Lens analysis included reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total nitrite (TN) levels.
Main Results:
- Sun-dried apricot consumption was associated with reduced cataract development.
- Apricot-fed rats showed lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation.
- Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were potentially preserved in the apricot group.
- Total nitrite (TN) levels were analyzed in relation to oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Sun-dried apricots demonstrate a preventive effect against sodium selenite-induced experimental cataracts in rats.
- Apricots may mitigate cataract formation by reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the lens.
- Further research is warranted to explore the specific compounds and mechanisms responsible for the protective effects.
Abstract:
This study was designed in order to investigate whether sun dried apricots have a preventive effect on the experimental cataract model formed by sodium selenite in rats. Fifty-nine Spraque-Dawley rat pups were divided into three groups. Group 1 (control group) consisted of twenty rat pups, born from the rats nourished ad libitum. Group 2 consisted of 18 newborn rats, born from the rats nourished ad libitum with 10% sun dried natural apricots. Group 3 consisted of 21 newborn rats, born from the rats nourished ad libitum. Subcutaneous (30nmol/gr) sodium selenite injection was applied to all the newborn rats except the control group (Group 1) on postpartum day 10. Cataract development was graded by slit-lamp examination and photography. Encapsulated lenses were analyzed for reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid per oxidation. Lenses were also analyzed for total nitrite (TN). The presence of oxidative stress in selenite cataract development and its prevention by sun dried apricots.
