Luteolin Supplementation Prevents Selenite‐Induced Cataractogenesis in Sprague Dawley Rat Pups

Abstract

Luteolin, a flavonoid present in leaves and stems of many plants finds mention in literature for beneficial effects on eyes. Presently, no reports are available on the in vivo anticataractogenic effect of luteolin. The current study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of luteolin on selenite-induced cataract models in vivo. The study consisted of three groups of Sprague Dawley rat pups 8-10 d old (Group I (Normal), Group II (Cataract induced), and Group III (Treatment)). Cataract was induced in Group II and Group III by a subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (4 μg/g body weight) on the 10th day. Luteolin was administered orally from 8th day up to 12th day at a concentration of 1 μg/g body weight in Group III. After 30 d, lenses of treated animals showed normal morphology. Activities of antioxidant enzymes were increased and levels of reactive oxygen species were decreased in the luteolin-treated group when compared to the cataract-induced group. Increased Ca(2+) ATPase activity and lowered calcium level, caspase 3 activity and down-regulation of caspase 3 expression were seen in the treatment group when compared to the selenite group. Luteolin enhances the antioxidant potential and thereby lowers the oxidative damages to the lens. It also stabilizes the membrane integrity of the lens and maintains the ionic balance.

Novel extraction techniques and pharmaceutical activities of luteolin and its derivatives

“…Luteolin lowers the oxidative damage and enhances the antioxidant potential induced by cataracts of rat lens in selenite. Membrane integrity of the rat lens was also improved by luteolin (Sreelakshmi, Sasikala, & Abraham, ). Disease like multiple sclerosis causes nerve damage, affects the immune system, fatigue, and causes pain.…”

Anticataractogenic Activity of Luteolin

“…In injured cells, this mechanism needs an overexpression of UCP‐2, so flavones may contribute to their ability in reducing ROS production from mitochondria in affected or injured cells, as with lenses in cataract . This suggestion may explain why treated rats increased their caspase‐3 activity and calcium level in eye lenses of crystalline .…”

“…The authors of the commented paper reported that Sprague–Dawley rat pups, at 8 – 10 days age post‐partum, when treated with a dose as low as 1.0 μg/g luteolin (Group III), restored a phenotype comparable to wild type (Group I) . Luteolin‐nontreated group, with induced cataract (Group II), suffered from higher oxidative stress and ROS production, an increase in caspase‐3 activity in lenses associated with an increase in calcium level and a reduction in the activity of [Ca 2+ ]ATPase . In the past, toxic metabolites derived from oxygen reactive radicals and peroxides, have been related to the onset of cataract and quite recently with mitochondria activity in the lens .…”

“…The recent paper by Vasudevanpillai Sreelakshmi et al . , on a very recent issue of Chemistry and Biodiversity , showed the role of the flavonoid luteolin on cataract. Cataract is a progressive decrease in vision ability, due to a degenerative development of crystalline lens in the eye and its envelope, often related with aging and oxidative stress‐related damage .…”

“…The role of the flavone, 2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐5,7‐dihydroxy‐4‐chromomenone, in inflammation and degenerative disorders, usually present in many dietary vegetables and plant derivatives such as green pepper, thyme, celery, broccoli, dandelion, chamomile, oregano, carrots, tea, oranges, parsley, rosemary, and olive oil, has been recently reviewed . The authors of the commented paper reported that Sprague–Dawley rat pups, at 8 – 10 days age post‐partum, when treated with a dose as low as 1.0 μg/g luteolin (Group III), restored a phenotype comparable to wild type (Group I) . Luteolin‐nontreated group, with induced cataract (Group II), suffered from higher oxidative stress and ROS production, an increase in caspase‐3 activity in lenses associated with an increase in calcium level and a reduction in the activity of [Ca 2+ ]ATPase .…”