Defensive role of quercetin against imbalances of calcium, sodium, and potassium in galactosemic cataract

Galactosemic cataracts are characterized by electrolyte disturbances resulting in osmotic imbalance and loss of transparency. We have studied the defensive role of quercetin, a bioflavonoid, against the alterations of calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+) concentrations in galactose-induced cataract in a rodent model. The experimental study was conducted on weanling male Wistar rats with an average body weight of 34 +/- 0.9 g. Different groups received normal stock AIN 93 diet (group A, n = 8), AIN 93 diet with 30% galactose (group B, n = 8), and AIN 93 diet with 30% galactose + quercetin at 400 mg/100 g diet (group C, n = 8). Aldose reductase activity and protein content and concentrations of Ca2+, Na+, and K+ were determined in normal and cataractous lenses. Treatment with quercetin resulted in a significant decrease in Na+ and Ca2+ and aldose reductase levels and an increase in K+ and protein levels in galactosemic cataractous lenses. These results imply that inclusion of quercetin contributes to lens transparency through the maintenance of characteristic osmotic ion equilibrium and protein levels of the lens.