Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cataract is the most common cause of blindness in the world. Effect of some antioxidant on prevention of cataract progression was investigated. We investigate whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) prevents sodium-selenite induced cataract in Wistar rat eyes.
Materials and Methods: Forty Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups. In each group were 10 rats. In group 1 (control) subcutaneous and intraperitoneal 0.3 ml saline normal were injected on postpartum day 10. In group 2, sodium selenite (20 nmol/g body weight) subcutaneously and 0.3 ml saline normal intraperitonealy were injected on postpartum day 10. In group 3, sodium selenite (20 nmol/gbw) subcutaneously and N-acetylcysteine (100 mg/kgbw) intraperitonealy were injected postpartum day 10. Intraperitoneal N-acetylcysteine and subcutaneous saline normal were injected in group 4. The development of cataract was assessed weekly, and its density was graded by biomicroscopy and photography. Removed rat lenses were analyzed for glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA, marker of lipid per oxidation), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX).
Results: In group 3, all of rats lenses were clear; however the Mean cataract stage in group 2 (sodium selenite) was 2.8±1.03 (p<0.05). The mean GSH, SOD and GPX level in group 2 was significantly lower than in groups 1, 3 and 4 (p<0.05), however the mean MDA level in group 2 was significantly higher than in groups 1,3 and 4 (p<0.05).
Conclusions: N-acetylcysteine effectively suppressed cataract formation. The protective effect was supported by lower GSH, SOD and GPX; and higher MDA levels in group 2 than in group 3, suggesting the antioxidant efficacy of this agent.