Influence of cataract maturity on aqueous humor lipid peroxidation markers and antioxidant enzymes

Purpose

The impact of cataract maturity on the aqueous humor (AH) oxidant/antioxidant balance is largely controversial. This study was aimed at assessing the relationships between cataract maturity and AH lipid peroxidation markers and enzymatic antioxidants.

Patients and methods

The concentrations of conjugated dienes (CD), lipofuscin-like fluorescent end-products (LLF), soluble proteins, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured in AH samples from nondiabetic patients with either immature (n=15) or mature (n=15) cataract.

Results

In the overall AH sample, the mean values of CD, LLF, SOD, and CAT were 0.160±0.024 (OD₂₃₄), 166±27 RFU, 24.5±7.1 U/ml, and 31.9±3.9 pmol/ml, respectively. CD was positively correlated with SOD (r=0.647; P<0.001), CAT (r=−0.394; P=0.031), and LLF (r=−0.399; P=0.029). The LLF was negatively correlated with SOD (r=−0.461; P=0.010). In samples adjusted for confounding factors, differences between immature and mature cataract groups regarding SOD, CD, LLF, and total proteins were significant (P<0.05; for all variables). The multiple logistic regression analysis identified LLF (OR=4.08; P=0.038) and SOD (OR=4.99; P=0.031) as independent predictors of cataract maturity.

Conclusions

These results suggest that AH lipid peroxidation markers and antioxidants may significantly depend on the cataract maturity stage.