Involvement of reactive oxygen species in cataract formation

Abstract

Cataract comprises opacification of the crystalline lens, which may progressively affect the cortex and the anterior subcapsular nucleus, secondary to accumulation of damaged proteins on this level, with loss of balance between production and elimination of free reactive oxygen species. The importance of delaying or identifying specific markers, as well as promoting a new therapeutic target, is the object of study and analysis of a variety of research lines. A review was conducted of the literature published from 1 January to 20 July 2020. Use was made of PubMed, Infomed, Clinical Key, Lilacs, EBSCO, SciELO, Prisma and UpToDate metasearch engines in English and Spanish to identify new scientific evidence about oxidative stress and its involvement in cataract formation. The crystalline lens barrier serves as a medium for exchange between various molecules, preventing entrance of antioxidants into the nucleus, which results in opacification. Mitochondria on the crystalline lens cortex allow oxygen removal. Oxidative phosphorylation then forms free superoxide radicals which naturally accumulate on this level with the passing of time. With aging, adaptive homeostasis loses its ability to respond to oxidative stress changes, but the prophylactic, targeted use of antioxidants may change the ultimate fate of this condition. Lack of balance in oxidation-reduction processes is the cause of cataract formation.
Key words: Cataract; EROS; redox; biochemistry; treatment.