Topazio, Nivea Almeida Arcaro; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1044-2622; http://lattes.cnpq.br/9188786175009214
Resumo:
Oxidative damage to ocular structures can lead to structural and functional changes
compromising the vision process, therefore, studies have pointed to oxidative stress as a
key event in the formation and/or progression of cataracts. Considering the involvement
of antioxidant nutrients in the physiological mechanisms of enzymatic and non-enzymatic
defense of the lens, the aim of this study is to assess whether there is an association
between serum levels of antioxidant micronutrients and oxidative stress markers with
senile cataract. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, including adults and elderly, of
both sexes, with senile cataract and a control group without cataract. The lens was
evaluated and classified according to the Lens Opacity Classification System (LOCS) III
into Nuclear (NC), Cortical (CC), Posterior Subcapsular (PSC) and Mix cataracts.
Vitamins A, C and E, selenium, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde
(MDA) were dosed in all participants. Results: 42 participants with senile cataract and
40 controls were evaluated. A high prevalence of serum vitamin C deficiency (72.0%)
was observed, being three times higher in participants with cataract when compared to
controls (PR 3.5; CI: 1.4-8.6). Serum vitamin C level was lower among those with CC
(1.0; IIQ: 0.5-1.8 mg/L), NC (1.6; IIQ: 0.5-3.6 mg/L) and Mix (1.2; IQI: 0.9-2.0 mg/L)
compared to the control (2.6; IQI: 1.9-6 mg/L) (p=0.02). Lower selenium levels were
found in CC (57.5; IQR: 53.0-74.6μg/L). There was no difference between groups
regarding vitamins A and E, MDA and GSH-Px. Conclusion: We observed a relationship
between the type of lens opacity and low serum levels of vitamin C and selenium. Vitamin
C deficiency was associated with the presence of senile cataract, but not with serum
markers of elevated oxidative stress.
