2023 Volume 19 Article ID: ffr23-0113
[Purpose] MNU-induced rat cataract model has been used as a screening system for therapeutic effects of new drugs. The involvement of oxidative stress in this model was clarified, and the pathological inhibitory effect of Profine® (PF) derived from sake lees, which has antioxidant properties, was examined.
[Methods] Experiment 1: 3-week-old female SD rats were given a single intraperitoneal (ip) dose of 75 mg/kg of MNU, and the degree of cataract was observed histologically and immunohistochemically using 8-OHdG, TG, γH2A.X, for up to 7 days. In addition, serum oxidative stress levels were compared between groups using d-ROM test. Experiment 2: Two-week-old female rats received a single ip dose of 50 mg/kg MNU and were fed 2%, 4%, and 8% PF diet from 3 weeks of age. After 4 weeks, the degree of cataracts was observed histologically as well as by naked eye.
[Results] Experiment 1: Single cell death of lens epithelial cells was observed from 48 hours after MNU administration, and loss of lens epithelial cells and swelling of lens fibers were observed on day 7. Oxidative stress markers showed 8-OHdG or thymidine glycol positive signals in some nuclei of lens epithelial cells from 48 hours after MNU administration. Systematic oxidative stress level was high on day 7 after administration. Experiment 2: The incidence of cataracts decreased in a PF concentration-dependent manner (83% in the MNU alone group, 40% in the group with 2% PF, 17% in the group with 4% PF, and 0% in the group with 8% PF) in gross appearance. The same trend was observed in the cataract index based on histological changes.
[Discussion] Oxidative stress in the lens was involved in the progression of MNU-induced cataract. The inhibitory effect of PF on the pathogenesis was also observed. The inhibitory effect may be related to the excellent antioxidant effect of PF.
