LENS LIPID PEROXIDES AND GLUTATHIONE CONCENTRATIONS IN DIABETIC CATARACT

This study aims to explore the role of reactive oxygen radicals in the genesis of diabetic cataract. Lipid peroxide (LPO) concentrations in senile (n = 30) and diabetic (n = 14) cataractous lenses, were determi ned as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TEARS) by a method mod ified from Satoh and Yagi, and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration s were measured according to Beutler. Lens LPO levels (mean, SD; nmol TBARS/g protein) were significantly higher in diabetics (107.54, 18.12 ) than senile cataractous subjects (53.54, 15.48) (P < 0.0001). Lens G SH levels (mean, SD; nmol/g protein) showed no significant difference between diabetics (4.29, 2.05) and senile cataractous subjects (4.68, 3.12). These results suggest that free radical damage is more effectiv e in the genesis of diabetic cataract than in senile cataract.