Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether DL- alpha-lipoic acid (LA) can offer lenticular protection in diabetic rats. METHOD: 36 Brown-Norway (BN) specific pathogen free (SPF) rats (7 week-old, female), were divided into 3 groups comprising of the diabetes mellitus (DM) group (14 rats), the diabetes mellitus treated with LA (DM + LA) group (14 rats), and the control (CTL) group (8 rats). The diabetic cataract was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Powdered food mixed with 0.3% LA was given to the DM + LA group, 3 days after STZ injection. Lens density was measured with EAS-1000, blood glucose and lens glutathione concentration was examined. RESULT: 2 weeks after STZ injection, there was a subcapsular reticular opacity in the DM; Lens opacity became more severe and enlarged with increased duration of STZ exposure. 4 weeks later, there was slight lens opacity in the DM + LA group. After 5 weeks, there were significant differences in lens densities between the DM and the DM + LA groups (P < 0.01). 3 days after STZ injection, there was no difference between the DM and the DM + LA in blood glucose (P > 0.05); At 80 days, the concentration of blood glucose in the DM + LA was less than that of in the DM (P < 0.01). 10 months after STZ injection, there was no difference of the concentration of glutathione in lens between the DM + LA and the DM (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: LA ingested orally can effectively reduce STZ-induced blood glucose and inhibit diabetic cataractogenesis in rats.
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Authors | Li Sun, Jin-Song Zhang |
Journal | [Zhonghua yan ke za zhi] Chinese journal of ophthalmology
(Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi)
Vol. 40
Issue 3
Pg. 193-6
(Mar 2004)
ISSN: 0412-4081 [Print] China |
PMID | 15307993
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, English Abstract, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antioxidants
- Blood Glucose
- Thioctic Acid
- Glutathione
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Topics |
- Animals
- Antioxidants
(pharmacology, therapeutic use)
- Blood Glucose
(drug effects, metabolism)
- Cataract
(drug therapy, etiology, metabolism)
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental
(complications)
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Glutathione
(metabolism)
- Rats
- Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms
- Thioctic Acid
(pharmacology, therapeutic use)
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