Morphogenetic and apoptotic changes in diabetic cataract: Prevention by pyruvate

Studies have been conducted to ascertain the preventive effect of pyruvate against diabetes induced damage to DNA and associated morphogenetic changes in the mouse lens. Such changes were characterized by DNA nicks as well as by gross morphological changes in the nuclei, evident respectively by TUNEL and Hoechst staining procedures. Morphogenetic changes were also apparent by abnormal differentiation of the germinal epithelial cells and errors in their migratory pathway. These changes were prevented by simultaneous administration of pyruvate to the diabetic animals. The preventive effect of this agent is attributable to its property of scavenging oxy-radicals generated by high levels of the sugars.