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Antioxidant status in persons with and without senile cataract
P F Jacques1, L T Chylack, R B McGandy
1USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|March 1, 1988
Summary
High levels of dietary vitamins like E, C, and carotenoids may reduce the risk of developing senile cataract. Antioxidant enzyme levels in red blood cells did not show a significant difference in cataract patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Ophthalmology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Senile cataract is a leading cause of vision impairment.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in cataractogenesis.
- Antioxidant status may play a role in cataract development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between biochemical markers of antioxidant status and senile cataract.
- To determine if specific antioxidant vitamins or enzymes correlate with cataract risk.
Main Methods:
- Assessed antioxidant status using erythrocyte enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) and plasma vitamin levels (E, C, carotenoids).
- Analyzed 112 subjects (aged 40-70), with 77 diagnosed with cataract.
- Grouped subjects based on low, moderate, or high levels of measured antioxidants.
Main Results:
- Subjects with high levels of at least two antioxidant vitamins (E, C, carotenoids) showed a reduced risk of cataract (odds ratio, 0.2).
- No significant differences were observed in erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme levels between subjects with and without cataract.
Conclusions:
- Plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins E, C, and carotenoids are associated with a reduced risk of senile cataract.
- Erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activity does not appear to be a significant factor in senile cataract development.