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Small molecules, both dietary and endogenous, influence the onset of lens cataracts

Barnes, S.; Quinlan, R.A.

Small molecules, both dietary and endogenous, influence the onset of lens cataracts Thumbnail


Authors

S. Barnes



Abstract

How the lens ages successfully is a lesson in biological adaption and the emergent properties of its complement of cells and proteins. This living tissue contains some of the oldest proteins in our bodies and yet they remain functional for decades, despite exposure to UV light, to reactive oxygen species and all the other hazards to protein function. This remarkable feat is achieved by a shrewd investment in very stable proteins as lens crystallins, by providing a reservoir of ATP-independent protein chaperones unequalled by any other tissue and by an oxidation-resistant environment. In addition, glutathione, a free radical scavenger, is present in mM concentrations and the plasma membranes contain oxidation-resistant sphingolipids, so what compromises lens function as it ages? In this review, we examine the role of small molecules in the prevention or causation of cataracts, including those associated with diet, metabolic pathways and drug therapy (steroids).

Citation

Barnes, S., & Quinlan, R. (2016). Small molecules, both dietary and endogenous, influence the onset of lens cataracts. Experimental Eye Research, 156, 87-94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2016.03.024

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 28, 2016
Online Publication Date Mar 31, 2016
Publication Date Mar 31, 2016
Deposit Date Apr 6, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 31, 2017
Journal Experimental Eye Research
Print ISSN 0014-4835
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 156
Pages 87-94
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2016.03.024

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