Attenuation of sugar cataract by ethyl pyruvate

Studies describe an attenuation of sugar cataract formation by topical admi nistration of ethyl pyruvate. Cataract formation was induced by feeding you ng rats a 30% galactose diet. Mature cataracts appeared in about thirty day s. Instillation of the eye drops containing 5% ethyl pyruvate decelerated t he process significantly. Biochemically, the effect was reflected by loweri ng in the contents of dulcitol and glycated proteins. The ATP levels were a lso higher in comparison to the placebo treated group. The effects are henc e attributable to the effect of pyruvate in inhibiting dulcitol synthesis a nd protein glycation, in addition to its antioxidant properties and metabol ic support. The use of esterified pyruvate instead of the unesterified pyru vate was preferred because of its greater penetration through the cornea an d consequently a higher concentration attained in the aqueous humor.