Identification of a new human lens UV filter compound

A new UV filter compound, 4-(2-amino-3-hydroxyphenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid O- diglucoside, has been identified in human lenses. The structure suggests th at it is a further metabolic product of the second most abundant UV filter compound, 4-(2-amino-3-hydroxyphenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid O-glucoside. Quant ification studies on the new compound show that it decreases towards zero i n both the nucleus and cortex as a function of age. The discovery of this n ovel disaccharide completes the identification of the major UV filter compo unds present in the human lens. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. on behalf of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies.