Oxidative DNA damage in patients with cataract

Purpose: This study examines the levels of oxidative damage in patients with cataract. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 60 patients with cataract and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals to measure 8-hydroxy 2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Results: A significant difference was observed in leukocyte 8-OHdG levels in patients with cataract in comparison with healthy persons (p < 0.001). Similarly, a significant difference was observed in plasma MDA levels in patients with cataract in comparison with healthy persons (p < 0.001). In addition, a significant correlation was found between levels of 8-OHdG in leukocyte DNA and plasma MDA (r = 0.859, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study measured the oxidative DNA damage by measuring the 8-OHdG in the leukocyte DNA in patients with cataract. In addition, the level of MDA - a marker for lipid peroxidation - was measured to determine lipid peroxidation.