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Effects of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Cataracts

Gaku Ishigooka1, Hiroshi Mizuno1, Shou Oosuka1

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka 569-8686, Japan.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|October 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) reduced oxidative stress and inhibited cataract progression in diabetic rats. This suggests the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a key role in diabetic cataract formation.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Ophthalmology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Diabetic cataracts are a common complication of diabetes mellitus.
  • The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is implicated in oxidative stress, a key factor in cataractogenesis.
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression and oxidative stress markers are elevated in diabetic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of RAS-induced oxidative stress in diabetic cataract formation.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in preventing diabetic cataracts.

Main Methods:

  • Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with candesartan (an ARB) or a placebo.
  • Cataract progression was monitored using slit-lamp examination.
  • Lens oxidative stress markers, ACE gene expression, and advanced glycation end products were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Diabetic rats developed lens opacity, which was significantly inhibited by ARB treatment (p < 0.05).
  • ARB treatment suppressed upregulated oxidative stress factors and ACE gene expression in the diabetic rat lenses.
  • A positive correlation was found between ACE gene expression and oxidative stress markers.

Conclusions:

  • The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) contributes to diabetic cataract formation through oxidative stress.
  • Targeting the RAS with ARBs may be a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing diabetic cataracts.
Keywords:
NOX-1NOX-4candesartandiabetic cataractiNOS

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