The Therapeutic Effects of the Novel Thiol Antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine Amide (NACA), on Treating Rats with Grade I and Grade II Cataracts
Department
Chemistry
Major
Biology
Research Advisor
Ercal, Nuran
Tobwala, Shakila
Advisor's Department
Chemistry
Funding Source
Ercal Vitek Endowment and NIH
Abstract
The effect of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA) on the reversal of grades I and II cataracts in Wistar rat pups was evaluated. Cataract formation was induced via a glutathione inhibitor, l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO). The lens of each pup was tested for a number of oxidative stress related parameters, including the observation of glutathione and cysteine levels. After the pups opened their eyes, the grades of cataracts were evaluated in each lens. These pups were then divided into three groups; BSO only, grade I cataracts and grade II cataracts. The two groups that were treated with NACA eye drops showed a significant reduction of the cataracts. Our findings indicate that NACA is able to reverse BSO-induced cataracts (Grades I&II) by acting as a substrate donor for the synthesis of glutathione. In addition, NACA can also function as a scavenger for dangerous free radicals in the cells.
Biography
Tiffany is a junior majoring in Biology. She has been working in the laboratory of Dr. Ercal for two years. She plans on attending graduate school in Stockholm, Sweden. She has an avid interest in working biology and chemistry.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Award
Sciences poster session, First place
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
10 Apr 2012, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
The Therapeutic Effects of the Novel Thiol Antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine Amide (NACA), on Treating Rats with Grade I and Grade II Cataracts
Upper Atrium/Hallway
The effect of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA) on the reversal of grades I and II cataracts in Wistar rat pups was evaluated. Cataract formation was induced via a glutathione inhibitor, l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO). The lens of each pup was tested for a number of oxidative stress related parameters, including the observation of glutathione and cysteine levels. After the pups opened their eyes, the grades of cataracts were evaluated in each lens. These pups were then divided into three groups; BSO only, grade I cataracts and grade II cataracts. The two groups that were treated with NACA eye drops showed a significant reduction of the cataracts. Our findings indicate that NACA is able to reverse BSO-induced cataracts (Grades I&II) by acting as a substrate donor for the synthesis of glutathione. In addition, NACA can also function as a scavenger for dangerous free radicals in the cells.
