Antioxidant Defense Network in the Lens and Benefits of Glutathione Prodrugs in Cataracts

摘要: Cataract, the opacification of an eye lens, is a common pathological abnormality lens that accounts for approximately 50 % all blindness. Over 40 visits to ophthalmologists by Medicare patients are associated with cataracts and cataract surgery $5 billion in payments. The depends on balanced redox state maintaining its transparency, high content glutathione (GSH) believed play key role doing so. Since depletion GSH has been implicated etiology pathogenesis other disorders, logical approach drug development would be prevention oxidative damage use prodrugs. may increased supplying esters GSH, γ-glutamylcysteine, cysteine esters, N-acetylcysteine (NAC). However, their poor bioavailability toxicity limit as therapeutic agent. A potential candidate prodrug low molecular weight thiol antioxidant, N-acetylcysteineamide (NACA), which enhanced ability penetrate cells giving greater index lowering risk side effects. useful noninvasive, cost-effective, safer option both treatment significantly improve patient health clinical care cataracts.