Title: Conformational Changes in Lens Protein: A Responsible Factor for Cataract Formation in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Swati Shrivastava, Sourabh Shrivastava, Divya Sinha
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i3.32
Abstract
Background & objectives: Cataract is considered a major cause of visual impairment in diabetic patient’s. The present study addresses the progression of lens opacification by conformational changes and glycation of lens protein in diabetic individuals.
Methods: A sample size of 30 nuclear portion of the lens was divided equally between study group (diabetic individuals) and control group (non-diabetics). Serum glucose and lens glucose is estimated by GOD/POD method, total lens protein by Modified biuret; end point method, serum sodium and potassium by Automated Ilytanalyzer and total protein fractionation by electrophoresis.
Results: There was statistically significant decrease in value of lens glucose and lens total protein (p< 0.01), while slight elevation in the percentage of protein fractionation in diabetics as compared to non diabetics. Serum sodium level was also found to be statistically significantly elevated (p<0.01) in diabetics as compared to non diabetics, while no significant changes were found in serum potassium level.
Interpretation and Conclusion: This prospective cross- sectional study shows that cataracts are formed due to oxidative damage of lens, conversion of soluble low molecular weight protein to insoluble high molecular weight protein or due to glycation.
Keywords: Cataract, diabetes, glycation, lens protein.
