Initial pro-antioxidant reactions in the patients suffering from cataract in the interactions with cadmium and lead

Cataract is one of the main causes of vision loss. So far, it has been found that one of the causes of cataract formation is the accumulation of heavy metals in ocular tissues and environmental pollution. Research material consisted of blood from healthy volunteers (n = 81; Mogilno Lakeland) and those suffering from cataract (n = 90) from Ophthalmology Clinic, Bydgoszcz (2013, 2016). Samples were prepared in order to obtain plasma, which was used to analyze Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, and Hg concentration (ICP-MS). The purpose of this study is to show the interaction of cataract with cadmium and lead during initial pro-antioxidative reactions and to study element-element interactions. To this end, we analyzed physiological mechanisms that aim to stop the destructive effects of toxic metals. We have shown that the action of zinc, copper and manganese is antioxidant. Concentration of these elements is higher (α = 0. 05, p < 0.05) in the cataract group than in the control. We found interactions Fe-Cu-Zn-Mn-Pb-Cd-Hg. Cd and Pb show a negative effect on the eye tissue and generate pathophysiological changes leading to lens opacity and influence the destabilization of pro-antioxidant reactions. Correlations of elements in the control (Cd-Zn: R = 0.240; Cd-Cu: R = 0.316) and in the sick group (Cd-Cu; R = 0.329) were significant. On the basis of our research we found that there are numerous relationships between the concentrations of chemical elements in the patients with cataracts and the controls. Significant role of antagonisms with cadmium and lead has been demonstrated; these elements contribute to the gradual development of cataract. A correlation between elements exhibiting pro-antioxidant activity in the interactions with cadmium and lead (p=0.000) can be a source of cataract changes. The differences in Cd and Pb concentration and their interactions with elements between the control and sick groups can be considered as a factor for the development of cataract.