Diabetes-induced biochemical changes in rat lens: attenuation of cataractogenesis by pyruvate

Aim: Studies have been conducted to determine the effect of pyruvate admini stration on the biochemistry of rat lens and the status of its transparency as affected by diabetic conditions. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were rendered diabetic by intravenous (i.v.) i njection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) and treated with s odium pyruvate (2%) in drinking water. The levels of glucose, fructose, sor bitol, ATP, GSH, MDA as well as glycated proteins in the lenses were determ ined at Various intervals after the onset of diabetes and the values compar ed with untreated diabetic controls. The progress of cataract formation and associated histological changes in the tissue were also monitored. Results: Studies show that the pyruvate treatment decreased the extent of s everal biochemical changes known to be associated with cataract formation, such as the elevation in the levels of glycated proteins, sorbitol, lipid p eroxidation (MDA) and inhibition of the cation pump. The progress of catara ct was also significantly delayed. Conclusion: Exogenous administration of this compound hence was found to ex ert an overall protective effect against cataract formation induced by the diabetic conditions.