Aqueous Extract Analysis of Lens Epithelial Cells: Unraveling the Link between Oxidative DNA Damage and Malondialdehyde in Senile Cataract

Abstract

Background and Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the level of oxidative stress in people with cataracts, based on previous studies that indicated its role in causing DNA damage and cataract formation. The study also sought to determine the correlation between the degree of DNA damage and the concentration of malondialdehyde, a marker of lipid peroxidation, in patients with senile cataracts. Methods: The study involved 30 senile cataract patients aged 50-80 years and 12 cadaveric donors of corneal tissue who died in road accidents. They were selected from the ophthalmology ward of Acharya Vinoba Bhave Hospital. The aim was to measure DNA damage in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) by Comet assay and malondialdehyde levels in the aqueous extract of HLECs. Results: The study found that the oxidative DNA damage level of human lens epithelial cells is not correlated with the malondialdehyde levels in the aqueous extract of HLECs in senile cataract patients. Conclusions: The study did not support the hypothesis that oxidative stress is a major factor in the development of cataracts. The results suggest that other mechanisms, such as genetic factors, environmental factors may be more relevant in the pathogenesis of cataracts.

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