Association between cataract progression and ischemia-modified albumin in relation to oxidant-antioxidant profiles in the serum, aqueous humor, and lens.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the levels of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) in relation to oxidant-antioxidant profiles in the serum, aqueous, and lens in cataract patients.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt.

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

METHODS

Patients were divided into 2 groups. The cataract (study) group comprised patients with senile cataract and the control group, age- and sex-matched healthy persons. Patients with systemic disease or cataract formation secondary to identifiable causes were excluded. In all cases, a complete history was taken and a clinical examination was performed. In the cataract group, the lens was examined, and the cataract type and severity were graded. Blood levels of catalase, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and IMA were measured in all participants and in the aqueous and lens lysate of cataract patients.

RESULTS

Each group comprised 30 participants. Cataract patients had significant higher levels of serum MDA and IMA than the control group but had lower levels of serum catalase and SOD. Patients with cortical cataracts had higher level of serum IMA, aqueous catalase, and SOD levels patients with nuclear cataracts but had a lower level of lens SOD. There was a significant positive correlation between serum MDA and the patient's age and serum catalase levels.

CONCLUSION

Patients with cortical cataract had increased local oxidative stress and diminished antioxidant activity compared with systemic oxidative activity, which was not the same in patients with nuclear cataract.