Vitamin E can protect against ultraviolet radiation-induced cataract in albino rats

Ophthalmic Res. 2004 Sep-Oct;36(5):264-9. doi: 10.1159/000081206.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate if vitamin E protects against ultraviolet B radiation (UVB)-induced cataract.

Methods: Albino Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: one group was fed vitamin E, while the other group was used as a control. Both groups were exposed to UVB. The rats were sacrificed, lenses extracted, forward light scattering was measured, and vitamin E and glutathione (GSH) contents were determined.

Results: Lenses in the vitamin E group developed slight opacities, while lenses in the control group developed nuclear cataracts. Forward light scattering in lenses of the control group was higher than in lenses in the vitamin-E-supplemented group. Vitamin E and GSH concentrations were higher in lenses treated with vitamin E than in the untreated group.

Conclusions: Vitamin E protects the lens against UVB-induced cataract. Vitamin E protects directly as an antioxidant and/or indirectly through increased levels of GSH.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage*
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Cataract / etiology
  • Cataract / metabolism
  • Cataract / prevention & control*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Glutathione / metabolism
  • Lens, Crystalline / metabolism
  • Lens, Crystalline / radiation effects*
  • Radiation Injuries, Experimental / etiology
  • Radiation Injuries, Experimental / metabolism
  • Radiation Injuries, Experimental / prevention & control*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects*
  • Vitamin E / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamin E / metabolism

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Vitamin E
  • Glutathione