Antioxidant enzyme levels in red blood cells from cataract patients.

BACKGROUND: It seems very likely that oxidative mechanisms play a major role in aetiology and pathogenesis of senile cataract. In particular, lens proteins are subject to extensive oxidative modifications. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to analyze the activities of the protective enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in patients of both sexes affected by cataract. METHODS: The SOD activity was measured in red blood cells using the Minami and Yoshikawa method, and the CAT activity was measured in haemolysates by the method of Aebi. The results were compared with those obtained in a group of healthy subjects of both sexes and matched ages. RESULTS: The SOD activity shows a significant increase when compared with controls, whereas the CAT activity was not modified. CONCLUSIONS: The balance of the anti-oxidants in red blood cells from cataract patients is altered.