Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and xanthine oxidase in diabetic rat lenses.

The activities of the protective enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme acting as a source of O(-)(2), were measured in the lenses of alloxan-induced diabetic and control rats. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were found to be significantly decreased, while catalase and xanthine oxidase activities were increased. This means that the ratio of the oxidant/antioxidant enzymes increases in the diabetic rat lens, suggesting an increased oxidative stress. This imbalance is possibly an important contributing factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract.