DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) is a therapeutic drug used for
ischemic stroke treatment. Here, we investigated the impact of NBP on the development of rat diabetic
cataract induced by
intraperitoneal injection of
streptozotocin (STZ). NBP was then administrated by oral gavage for nine weeks.
Cataract development was monitored through ophthalmoscope inspections. The levels of
blood glucose and serum
reactive oxygen species (ROS),
malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-Hydroxydeovexyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured. Total and soluble
protein and oxidative stress parameters, such
as 2, 4- dinitrophenylhydrazone (DNP),
4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and MDA in the
lenses were determined by Western blot and
thiobarbituric acid analyses. The expressions of
NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream
antioxidant enzymes,
thioredoxin (TRX),
Catalase and nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 were determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses. We showed that NBP treatment significantly improved the
cataract scores, the levels of DNP, 4-HNE, and MDA in the lens compared to the non-treated groups. NBP also enhanced the expressions of Nrf2, TRX and
catalase in the lens of diabetic rats. In addition, NBP treatment also decreased levels of
blood glucose, serum MDA and 8-OHdG. These results suggested that NBP treatment significantly delayed the onset and progression of diabetic
cataract by inhibiting the oxidative stresses.