ERYTHROCYTE G-6-PD ENZYME DEFICIENCY IN SENILE CATARACTS

Association between erythrocytes G-B-PD enzyme deficiency (G(d)) and s enile cataracts was studied among subjects belonging to various ethnic groups, General Castes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of Dung arpur district (Rajasthan). In general the incidence of G(d) among 515 subjects with senile cataracts of these ethnic groups was 12.23% whil e 522 control (normal) subjects gave an incidence of 13.21%. As G(d) i s a sex linked abnormal gene, the incidence of G(d) (%) in 324 male su bjects with senile cataracts was 12.96 while 303 normal males gave an incidence of 13.53. The figures in females 10.99% and 12.78% among 191 senile cataracts females and 219 normal females respectively. No sign ificant difference between G-6-PD deficients and G-B-PD normal subject s for the appearance or onset of senile cataracts at specificage. Thes e findings revealed no significant relation or association between G(d ) and senile cataracts. At least in this geographical area, this red c ell genetic defect (G(d)) is not a factor for cataractogenesis.