Elevation of plasma nitrate and malondialdehyde in patients with age-related cataract

Purpose. To determine plasma levels of nitrate and malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with age-related cataract. Patients and Methods. Serum nitrate and MDA levels were measured in 17 patients with posterior subcapsular cataract and systemic hypertension, 12 patients with cortical cataract, 19 patients with nuclear cataract and a history of cigarette smoking (> 15 years), and 12 age-matched controls without cataract. Results. The mean plasma levels of nitrate and MDA were significantly higher in all 3 groups of cataract when compared to controls. The highest levels of nitrate and MDA were in patients with posterior subcapsular cataract and hypertension. The lowest levels were recorded in patients with cortical cataract. There was a statistically significant correlation between elevated plasma levels of nitrate and MDA in patients with all 3 types of cataract. Conclusion. There is a possible role for elevated levels of nitrate and MDA in the pathogenesis of cataract in the human eye.