May nitric oxide molecule have a role in the pathogenesis of human cataract

Abstract Recent studies have shown that nitric oxide molecule may have a role in the development of cataract. In this study, we measured the levels of a nitric oxide metabolite (nitrite) in the cataractous and normal human lenses. A modified Griess assay was used to determine the nitrite levels in the lenses as a measure of nitric oxide, based on the spectrophotometric method. Nitrite was detected in 26 (44·1%) cataractous lenses and was found below the detection limit in 33 (55·9%) cataractous lenses. Mean nitrite levels in cataractous lenses (2·77±5·26 nmol/100 mg) was found higher than the normal lenses (0·77±0·79 nmol/100 mg) but this increase was not statistically significant. Comparison of nitrite levels among lenses with various types of cataracts revealed higher levels in lenses with posterior subcapsular cataracts. Hypertensive patients had also significantly higher nitrite levels in their cataractous lenses. The increased levels in the cataractous lenses display a possible role of nitric oxide in the pathogenesis of cataract in human eyes.