The inverse correlation of ascorbic and uric acid concentrations in the aqueous humor of human eyes with cataract

Authors

  • Kwok-wai Lam Singapore Eye Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
  • Tommy YM Lin Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan.
  • Dennis SC Lam Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
  • Arthur CK Cheng Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the free-radical stress in human eyes with cataract by assessing the loss of a physiological reducing agent (ascorbic acid) with the concurrent accumulation of a catabolic product (uric acid) associated with free-radical formation. 

Materials and methods: Ascorbic and uric acid concentrations were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography using amBondapak:-NH 2 column eluted by 10 mM ammonium phosphate. This method was used to analyze ascorbic acid and uric acid concentrations in the aqueous humor of 42 cataractous human eyes. 

Results:  The mean and standard deviation of ascorbic acid and uric acid concentrations in the aqueous humor were 23.4 ± 10.2 and 1.2 ± 0.8 mg/dL respectively. There was a significant (P=10^6) inverse correlation (r=-0.69) between ascorbic acid concentration and uric acid concentration.

Conclusion: Ascorbic acid concentration in the aqueous humor is affected by freeradicals produced from xanthine oxidase. Since the increase in uric acid is less than the loss of ascorbic acid, additional unknown factors may be responsible for the loss of ascorbic acid in the anterior chamber.

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Published

1998-12-01

How to Cite

1.
Lam K- wai, Lin TY, Lam DS, Cheng AC. The inverse correlation of ascorbic and uric acid concentrations in the aqueous humor of human eyes with cataract. Hong Kong J Ophthalmol [Internet]. 1998Dec.1 [cited 2024Sep.17];2(1):4-7. Available from: https://hkjo.hk/index.php/hkjo/article/view/155

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (1998)

Section

Leading Article

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