Experimental Study On The Prevention Of Galactose Cataract With Aspirin

Objective To observe the inhibition of Aspirin on D-Galactose-induced cataractous lenses of rats. Methods 60 Wistar rats were divided into three groups: normal control,model,protective groups.80% D-Galactose(20ml/kg) was administered daily by intraperitoneal injection in ten days to reproduce cataract of rats in model group; After inducing galactose cataract, aspirin(150mg/kg) was administered immediately by gastrogavage in protective group for 20 days . At day 3,6,10,14,20 the transparency of all lenses were observed through slit lamp microscopy. In addition at day 5 the ultrastruct of the lenses were examined and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy ; At the same time, the levels of Superoxide dismutase(SOD) ,Glutathione peroxidase( GSH-PX) and Catalase(CAT)were measured respectively. Results all lenses were transparent in control group,the lens opacity of the protective group rats were not so obvious as these of the model group rats, at day 3,6,10,14,20, 0.00%,25.00%,41.67%,58.33%,83.33% lenses of in protective group showed swelling respectively(precystic-vesicle,cystic-vesicle,cortical stage),but 65% lenses were opacity in model group on day 3 and for six days all lenses were induced experimental galactose cataract(nuclear,mature stage). The structure of lenses in control group was normal(examined by scanning electron microscopy), but damaged severely in model, slight damage was found in lenses which were protected by aspirin. The levels of SOD,GSH-PX and CAT in the model group were obviously lower than in normal control group (P<0.01), but the levels of them were increased significantly in aspirin group compared with those in model group. Conclusion Aspirin could protect lenses of rats against oxidative damage by increasing activities of SOD,GSH-PX,CAT and inhibit or delay the generation and development of galactose-induced cataract at the early stage.