Abstract |
Data in the present paper demonstrate a significant inhibition in the progress of sugar cataract formation by systemic administration of pyruvate. The formation of the cataract was induced by feeding young rats a diet containing 30% galactose. All animals fed this diet developed nuclear lens opacity by the end of 30 days. This was delayed if the diet and water contained, in addition, 2% sodium pyruvate. The incidence of cataract in the latter group was 0% at day 30 and only 25% at day 55. Physiologically, the inhibition was associated with the prevention of lens membrane damage as reflected by its ability to maintain transport of rubidium ions against a concentration gradient; decreased tissue hydration as indexed by the lens wet weight; inhibition of protein glycation, and higher levels of ATP. Since pyruvate, being a normal tissue metabolite, is likely to be non-toxic, the findings are considered useful for further pharmacological studies with this and other similar metabolites, relevant to protection against various secondary complications of diabetes and galactosemia.
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Authors | S D Varma, P S Devamanoharan, A R Rutzen, A H Ali, M Henein |
Journal | Free radical research
(Free Radic Res)
Vol. 30
Issue 4
Pg. 253-63
(Apr 1999)
ISSN: 1071-5762 [Print] England |
PMID | 10230804
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Glycoproteins
- Rubidium Radioisotopes
- Pyruvic Acid
- Adenosine Triphosphate
- Galactose
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Topics |
- Adenosine Triphosphate
(metabolism)
- Animals
- Aqueous Humor
(metabolism)
- Cataract
(chemically induced, prevention & control)
- Diet
- Galactose
(administration & dosage)
- Galactosemias
(complications)
- Glycoproteins
(metabolism)
- Glycosylation
- Lens, Crystalline
(anatomy & histology, metabolism)
- Male
- Pyruvic Acid
(administration & dosage, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use)
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Rubidium Radioisotopes
(metabolism)
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