Antioxidant status in persons with and without senile lens changes

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Lens culture studies suggest antioxidant nutrients protect against radiation-induced peroxidation.
• Senile lens changes, including cataract, are a significant cause of vision impairment in aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between biochemical markers of antioxidant status and senile lens changes.
• To examine the role of antioxidant nutrients and enzymes in the development of age-related lens alterations.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 262 subjects aged 45-64.
• Measurement of plasma and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, catalase activity, and plasma vitamin E and A levels.
• Comparison of antioxidant status between 131 subjects with senile lens changes and 131 controls with clear lenses.

Main Results:

• Subjects with lens changes exhibited lower plasma vitamin E and A, reduced antioxidant enzyme activity, and higher malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.
• Significantly lower erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase levels were observed in subjects with senile lens changes.
• Middle-aged subjects with senile lens changes showed reduced erythrocyte and plasma glutathione peroxidase compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Lower levels of key antioxidant nutrients and enzymes are associated with senile lens changes.
• Adequate intake of antioxidant nutrients may help prevent or slow the progression of lens alterations and cataract formation.