Antioxidant enzymes and peroxidation in galactogenic cataract.

ABSTRACT

The antioxidant enzymes like catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were studied in erythrocytes and lens at various stages of cataractogenesis in albino rats. The rate of peroxidation was measured by assessing the malondiadehyde (MDA) in lens and plasma. The insoluble and soluble protein fractions were measured in lens to study the protein crosslinkings in relation to the above said parameters. Cataract was induced in albino rats by feeding it with 30% galactose as part of the normal diet (w/w) for 30 days. The results show a decrease of SOD and catalase with concomitant increase of MDA and insoluble protein with the advancement of cataract.