Trolox protects hyperglycemia-induced cataractogenesis in cultured rat lens

Hyperglycemia-induced cataractogenesis has been studied in rat lenses cultured in 50 mM glucose using an inverted microscope connected with a Universal C-mount and a CCD camera. Digital images were acquired and the opacity was determined by quantitating the transmitted light. Antioxidants, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) and 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethenyl-chroman- 2-carboxylic acid (Trolox) provided good protection against 50 mM glucose- induced cataractogenesis in rat lenses for upto 8 days. Sorbitol levels in the 50 mM glucose + antioxidant groups were approximately 1.5 mM fold higher than in 50 mM glucose. The results, besides further demonstrating that oxidative damage is the major mechanism of sugar-induced cataractogenesis, show that Trolox or related amphipathic compounds could be of therapeutic use in the prevention of diabetic cataracts.