The level of stearoyl-CoA-desaturase in the lenses of rat eyes in cataract progression

Relevance. Studies are underway intensively around the world to identify the causes and mechanisms of cataract development. The special attention is paid to the study of stearoyl-CoA-desaturase enzymes. There are data indicating the involvement of the level changes of desaturases in ophthalmic pathologies in the literature. Work objective. To establish the presence of stearoyl-CoA-desaturase in the lenses of the eyes and study the change of level of this enzyme in cataract progression on the experimental model. Material and methods. The study was conducted on Wistar rats (n=60). Two groups were formed: control (n=30) and experimental (n=30). The animals of the experimental group were simulated age-related cataract using ultraviolet radiation for 6 months. The lenses were taken to determine the content of stearoyl-CoA-desaturase every two months. The study used an enzyme immunoassay. Results. The level of stearoyl-CoA-desaturase in cataract lenses was lower by 53% (p=0.027), 55.8% (p=0.008) and 53.3% (p=0.018) at 2, 4, and 6 months of disease development respectively relatively healthy animals. Conclusions. The study confirmed the presence of stearoyl-CoA-desaturase in the tissues of the lens of the eye. Cataract progression is associated with the level decrease of this enzyme. The results of the study demonstrate the adaptive changes occurring in the lenses of the eyes against the background of cataract development. In this experiment using healthy animals, the level decrease of desaturase in the lens is not a pathogenic factor.

stearoyl-CoA-desaturase, cataract, lipid metabolism, lens of the eye