Superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in cataract lens of diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Cataracts are opacities of the eye lens that occur due to degenerative processes and diabetes mellitus (DM). The circumstances cause an increase in free radicals and a decrease in antioxidant activity until oxidative stress occurs. This research aims to compare the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzymes in cataract lenses with DM and non-DM patients. The subjects of the study were cataract lenses that were taken when subjects underwent cataract surgery by phacoemulsification method. The research subjects were divided into 2 groups:15 people with DM and 15 non-DM people. The results of the statistical test using the Mann-Whitney test with a confidence level of 95% showed p = 0,000, so it can be concluded that there were significant differences between the average activity of SOD and catalase enzymes in cataract lenses of DM and non-DM patients. Keywords: cataract, diabetes mellitus, oxidative stress, superoxide dismutase enzyme