Sugar alcohols in the lens epithelium of age-related cataract.

Abstract

We have measured the levels of glucose and sugar alcohols in the lens epithelium of 24 non-diabetic and 21 diabetic patients undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction for age-related cataract. Lens status was assessed preoperatively according to the Lens Opacities Classification System II. In comparison to non-diabetics, the lens epithelia of diabetic patients have increased levels of glucose and sorbitol, and lower content of myo-inositol. Both myo-inositol decrease and sorbitol accumulation are strictly related to the fasting blood sugar level. No correlation or trend was detected in diabetic subjects between myo-inositol or sorbitol level and cataract type. In non-diabetic patients nuclear opacification was associated with a significant increase of myo-inositol level in lens epithelium.

• Authors: M Belpoliti, G Maraini
• Journal: Experimental eye research (Exp Eye Res) Vol. 56 Issue 1 Pg. 3-6 (Jan 1993) ISSN: 0014-4835 [Print] England
• PMID: 8432333 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Blood Glucose
• Inositol
• Sorbitol

Topics

• Aged
• Blood Glucose (metabolism)
• Cataract (blood, etiology, metabolism)
• Diabetes Mellitus (metabolism)
• Epithelium (metabolism)
• Female
• Humans
• Inositol (metabolism)
• Lens, Crystalline (metabolism)
• Male
• Sorbitol (metabolism)