Biochim Biophys Acta. 2004 Jan 5; 1670(1): 12-18. Related Articles, Links
Protective effect of ascorbate against oxidative stress in the mouse lens.
Hegde KR, Varma SD.
Departments of Biochemistry and Ophthalmology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 10 South
Pine Street, MSTF 500-A, 21201, Baltimore, MD, USA
The purpose of this study was to determine if high ascorbate of the human aqueous protects the lens
against oxidative stress. Previous studies with the rat lens have been inconclusive because of its
fortification with aldose reductase (AR), an important antioxidant. The human lens is deficient in
this activity. These studies were hence done with the mouse lens, a species deficient in this
enzyme. The reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced physiological damage to the tissue was assessed in
organ culture, by measuring its ability to actively transport 86Rb(+) ions, in the absence and
presence of ascorbate. In addition, the status of tissue metabolism and its antioxidant reserve were
assessed by quantitating ATP and glutathione (GSH). As expected, ROS decreased the membrane
transport activity as well as the levels of ATP and GSH. Ascorbate minimized these toxic effects
substantially. The presence of high ascorbate, therefore, appears highly beneficial in protecting
the lens against oxidative damage and cataract formation, despite a deficiency of AR. The findings
therefore appear to be significant from the point of view of using this nutrient for delaying the
onset of cataract development in human beings, therapeutically as well as nutritionally.
PMID: 14729137 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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