It is generally believed that prophylactic intake of
antioxidants is beneficial in delaying the onset of some aging manifestations such as
cataract. However, whether such a supplementation will also be effective if the pathophysiological process has already set in remains a largely open question. We examined this possibility with lens changes leading to
cataract formation, since
cataract genesis is intimately related to a continued generation of
reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the aqueous humor. Since the formation of
cataract is a well-defined progressive disease, starting with an early refractive change and leading to gradual enhancement of opacification, we hypothesized that even a belated start with an appropriate
anti-oxidant could halt the pathological process and delay
cataract maturation and vision impairment. Using lens cultures, we tested this hypothesis with
pyruvate, known to be an effective and highly potent ROS scavenger. Adding
pyruvate to the culture medium after
lenses had sustained a 50% damage was significantly effective in preventing progress. This was apparent by better maintenance of the active
rubidium transport activity in these
lenses compared to controls without
pyruvate treatment.
Glutathione levels were also higher in the
pyruvate group.