Medknow Publications on behalf of Indian Pharmacological Society
Abstract
Objectives: To study, the anticataract activity of lisinopril and
enalapril on cataract induced by glucose, in goat lenses. Materials
and Methods: Goat lenses were incubated in artificial aqueous humor
containing 55 mM glucose (cataractogenesis) with lisinopril or
enalapril in different concentrations at room temperature for 72 h.
Biochemical parameters studied in the lens were electrolytes (Na+, K+),
Na+-K+-ATPase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and proteins. Results:
Glucose induced opacification of goat lens began 8-10 hrs after
incubation and was complete in 72-80 hrs. Cataractous lenses showed
higher Na+, MDA (P< 0.001), lower Na+-K+-ATPase activity, and
water-soluble protein content. Lenses treated with lisinopril or
enalapril in concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 ng/ml showed higher protein
(total and water soluble proteins) content and prevented formation and
progress of cataract by glucose, as evidenced by biochemical
parameters. Conclusion: The anticataract activity of lisinopril and
enalapril may be because of the antioxidant and free radical scavenging
activity, as evidenced by a decrease in MDA in treated lenses. Further
in-vitro and in-vivo studies in various experimental models and long
term clinical trials are required to validate the anticataract activity
of ACE-inhibitors