Laboratory Study
Eye advance online publication 10 July 2009; doi: 10.1038/eye.2009.149
Phospholipid and protein contents of lens proteolipids in human senile cataract
M A Siddique1,2, B K Tiwary3 and S B Paul4
- 1Department of Ophthalmology, Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Silchar, India
- 2Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, India
- 3Department of Life Science, Assam University, Silchar, India
- 4Department of Chemistry, Assam University, Silchar, India
Correspondence: SB Paul, Department of Chemistry, Assam University, Silchar, Assam 788011, India. Tel: +91 9435072681; Fax: +91 3842270802. E-mail: dr.sbpaul@gmail.com
Received 19 February 2009; Revised 18 May 2009; Accepted 18 May 2009; Published online 10 July 2009.
Abstract
Purpose
This experimental study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the quantitative change, if any, in the phospholipids and protein contents of lens proteolipids during cataract formation, and to establish whether the phospholipid/protein content of the blood is related to cataractogenesis.
Methods
A total of 120 human lenses were collected. Phospholipids and protein content in proteolipids of these lenses were estimated biochemically. Blood was examined from total 60 persons. Data obtained were analyzed with the help of the ANOVA program of SPSS software (version 7.5).
Results
A significant (P<0.01) reduction of proteolipid-bound phospholipids was observed in cataracts as compared with the control lenses. An alteration was also noticed in the protein content of proteolipids in the cataractous lenses. Changes were also observed in serum total phospholipids (P<0.01) and total protein (P<0.01) in cataractous patients.
Conclusions
As proteolipids are the main constituents of the membranes of lens fibres, the alterations in its phospholipid and protein moieties may be suggestive of the disintegration of lens membranes, which ultimately leads to cataract formation. Gradual and constant variation in serum parameters may be one of the predisposing factors in cataractogenesis.
Keywords:
phospholipids, protein, human, lens, cataract, serum
