Activity of superoxide dismutase obtained from senile cataract lens - effect of diabetes mellitus.

The activity of Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase in the fluid obtained from eye lens capsules after cataract surgery was investigated in samples obtained from patients with senile cataract and with senile cataract combined with diabetes mellitus. Two parameters were measured and compared: the frequency of occurrence of detected superoxide dismutase activity and the relative activity of the enzyme in samples derived from senile cataract patients versus those from the patients affected additionally by diabetes mellitus. It was confirmed that the decrease of superoxide dismutase activity during cataract was additionally promoted by diabetes mellitus.