IN VITRO PROPHYLACTIC CATARACT PREVENTION STUDY ON GLUCOSE INDUCED CATARACT BY QUERCETIN AND ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL

The antioxidants such as quercetin and alphatocopherol were subjected for in vitro prophylactic cataract prevention study on glucose induced cataract model. Goat lenses were incubated in artificial aqueous humor containing 55 mM glucose with test drugs in different concentrations at room temperature for 72 h. Biochemical parameters studied in the lens were electrolytes (Na+, K+), Na+- K+- ATPase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and proteins. Glucose induced opacification of goat lens began 8-10 hrs after incubation and was complete in 72-80 hrs. Cataractous lenses showed higher Na+, MDA (P<0.001), lower Na+-K+- ATPase activity, and water-soluble protein content. Lenses treated with test drugs has shown higher protein content and prevented formation and progress of cataract by glucose, as evidenced by biochemical parameters.