Contribution of Cholesterol and Oxysterols in the Physiopathology of Cataract: Implication for the Development of Pharmacological Treatments
2011
Cholesterol and Oxysterols in Cataract Development
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Anne Vejux, Mohammad Samadi, Gérard Lizard
Primary Institution: Inserm-CIT 808, CHU de Besançon
Hypothesis
Cholesterol and oxysterols play important roles in the physiopathology of cataract.
Conclusion
Controlling cholesterol and oxysterol levels in the lens may help prevent cataract and provide an alternative to surgery.
Supporting Evidence
- Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
- Cholesterol constitutes about 40% of the total lipids in human lens fibers.
- Oxysterols can induce cytotoxic effects that may contribute to cataract development.
- Patients with certain metabolic disorders often develop cataracts.
- Surgical treatment is the most common method to restore vision in cataract patients.
Takeaway
Cataracts can be caused by changes in cholesterol in the eye, and finding ways to manage cholesterol might help prevent them.
Limitations
The long-term efficiency of alternative pharmacological treatments for cataract is not established.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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