The Effects of Apocynin on Selenite-induced Cataract Established in Rats

Abstract Purpose The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of apocynin, a natural methoxy-substituted catechol, have been demonstrated in various cell and animal models of inflammation. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the potential protective effects of apocynin on selenite-induced cataract formation, and to examine the effect of apocynin on the morphological grade of the cataract formation and on the biochemical parameters including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione reductase (GR), and catalase (CAT) in the lens. Methods Twenty-five rats were divided into 5 groups of 5 (n = 5). The control group was administered saline only. Sodium selenite at a dose of 30nmol/gr was administered to Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, then Group 2 received dimethyl sulphoxide, Group 3 received 10 mg/kg apocynin and Group 4 received 20 mg/kg apocynin. Results Both the low and high doses of apocynin were found to decrease the cataract grade in the lenses (p < 0.001, p < 0.05 respectively). Low- dose apocynin was determined to increase CAT and GR levels in lens tissue (p = 0.003, p = 0.002, respectively) but did not change MDA levels (p = 0.99). High- dose apocynin was found to increase MDA levels (p = 0.04). Conclusion Low doses of apocynin may prevent cataract by increasing antioxidant capacity and high doses may be partially toxic by increasing MDA levels, a marker of oxidation. The results of this preliminary study are encouraging, but further investigations should be designed to show whether a similar anti-cataractogenic potential can be revealed in humans.