The effect of apocynin on selenite-induced cataract in rats

Objective: Investigation of the biochemical and clinical effects of apocynin in a sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) induced cataract model in rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty male Spraque-Dawley rats with an average weight of 50 g on the 10th postpartum day were divided into four groups. Statistical power analysis determined the necessity of a minimum of 5 subjects in each group. Each group received subcutaneous injection of 30 nmol/kg Na2SeO3, which will provide cataract model formation in accordance with the literature. On the same day, Group 1 received intraperitoneal dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), Group 2 received Apocynin dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at a dose of 10 mg/kg, and Group 3 received a single intraperitoneal dose of Apocynin at 20 mg/kg. After 7-10 days, cardiac puncture was performed to collect blood samples for all groups, including the control group with mature cataract formation, before the sacrification process under anesthesia in all groups. After sacrification, lens tissue was separated from the eyes obtained through enucleation. Lens tissue samples were stored at -80 degrees Celsius for the analysis of MDA, CAT, and GR values. Pre-sacrifice blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture. Findings: Microscopic examinations revealed a significant difference in terms of cataract severity among the groups (p<0.001). Morphologically, cataract levels were determined from lowest to highest as follows: Group 2 (1.4 ± 0.55), Group 3 (2.6 ± 0.89), and Group 1 (4.4 ± 0.55). No significant difference in cataract severity was observed between the control group (5.4 ± 0.55) and Group 1 (P>0.05). Average MDA, CAT, and GR levels in lens tissues showed a statistically significant difference among the groups (p=0.001, p=0.004, and p=0.012, respectively). Group 3 exhibited a significantly higher average MDA level (1.12 ± 0.13 nmol/ml) compared to the other groups (P<0.05). Groups 2 and 3 had significantly higher average CAT levels (54.19 ± 9.98 and 49.98 ± 16.67 ng/ml, respectively) compared to the control group (P<0.05). Group 3 showed a significantly higher average GR level (21.46 ± 2.95 ng/ml) compared to the other groups (P <0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, our study determined that in the cataract model induced by Na2SeO3, apocynin could significantly reduce cataract formation both morphologically and through biochemical analysis by enhancing antioxidant capacity. Additionally, the dosage of apocynin was also investigated, revealing that high doses of apocynin might exhibit toxic effects, thereby increasing oxidative damage.