Role of Malondialdehyde (MDA) in senile cataract

Cataract is characterized partial or complete loss of transparency of the lens that leads to loss of vision. Globally, cataract associated blindness is a major cause of morbidity in developing countries. The cataractogenesis is affected by a number of factors with redox imbalance at the top of list. This imbalance results either from an increased generation of free radicals and/or decreased production of antioxidants. The end products of lipid peroxidation are both mutagenic and carcinogenic. One such product, malondialdehyde (MDA) reacts with deoxyadenosine and deoxyguanosine in DNA, to form DNA adducts. Its role in cataractogenesis is due to its cross linking ability. The present study analyzed the role of MDA in the development of senile cataract. Its level was measured in 75 randomly selected senile cataract patients of different age groups and matched against suitable controls. The study found statistically significant increased levels of MDA in cataract patients but not in controls, indicating an oxidative stress. The present study concluded that increased levels of MDA increased the susceptibility to cataractogenesis.