Defensive Role of Quercetin Against Imbalances of Calcium, Sodium, and Potassium in Galactosemic Cataract

Abstract

Galactosemic cataracts are characterized by electrolyte disturbances resulting in osmotic imbalance and loss of transparency. We have studied the defensive role of quercetin, a bioflavonoid, against the alterations of calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+) concentrations in galactose-induced cataract in a rodent model. The experimental study was conducted on weanling male Wistar rats with an average body weight of 34 +/- 0.9 g. Different groups received normal stock AIN 93 diet (group A, n = 8), AIN 93 diet with 30% galactose (group B, n = 8), and AIN 93 diet with 30% galactose + quercetin at 400 mg/100 g diet (group C, n = 8). Aldose reductase activity and protein content and concentrations of Ca2+, Na+, and K+ were determined in normal and cataractous lenses. Treatment with quercetin resulted in a significant decrease in Na+ and Ca2+ and aldose reductase levels and an increase in K+ and protein levels in galactosemic cataractous lenses. These results imply that inclusion of quercetin contributes to lens transparency through the maintenance of characteristic osmotic ion equilibrium and protein levels of the lens.

Dietary flavonoids inhibit the glycation of lens proteins: implications in the management of diabetic cataract

“…In vitro model settings, employing cultured rat lens revealed that low micromolar levels of quercetin inhibited oxidation mediated calcium and sodium influx and loss of lens transparency (Sanderson et al 1999). Similar kind of results were described by Ramana et al (2007), wherein the oral treatment of quercetin stabilized the disturbances of eye lens electrolytes such as calcium, sodium, potassium and maintained the lens protein levels along with preserving lens transparency. Rutin (a corresponding glycone of quercetin) has been shown to improve free radical mediated cataract by increasing the chaperone activity of α-crystallin (Sasikala et al 2013).…”

Natural flavonoids as potential multifunctional agents in prevention of diabetic cataract

“…(1988) recorded anticataract action of quercetin and structurally related myricetin after topical administration. In galactosemic rats, oral treatment with quercetin resulted in a significant correction of eye lens electrolyte disturbances and normalization of lens protein levels (Ramana et al ., 2007). The results imply that inclusion of quercetin contributes to lens transparency through the maintenance of characteristic osmotic ion equilibrium and protein levels of the lens.…”

Galactose and its Metabolites Deteriorate Metaphase II Mouse Oocyte Quality and Subsequent Embryo Development by Disrupting the Spindle Structure

“…Another therapeutic approach is reduction in galactitol levels by aldose reductase inhibitors, which have been used successfully in diabetic patients 39, 54 . Similarly, the role of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense strategies by medication and/or nutrition in mitigating multiple other long term complications from galactosemia including cataracts, retinopathy, decreased bone mass and brain abnormalities need to be explored 55, 56 . In the D. melanogaster model of classic galactosemia, free radical scavengers, which mimic the action of superoxide dismutase, have been shown to modify both acute and long-term outcome survival and development 56 .…”