Background: Hyperglycemia enhances cataractogenesis. Elevated glucose level is commonly accompanied by arterial hypertension, for which angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (ACEIs) are a widely used intervention. ACE inhibitors exert some endothelial pleiotropic actions and can beneficially modulate glucose control and some other metabolic pathways. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ACEIs on cataract formation in experimental alloxan-induced diabetes in rabbits and assess the role of the reactive function group of the ACEIs in this process.
Material/methods: Two study and two control groups of rabbits were examined. In the study groups and in one of the control groups, diabetes was induced by alloxan. The study groups were assigned to receive captopril or enalapril for six months; the controls received distilled water. Glucose concentration was monitored with a glucometer. A biomicroscope and an ophthalmoscope were used to evaluate lens opacity and cataractogenesis.
Results: Six-month administration of ACEI to rabbis resulted in a delay of diabetic cataractogenesis. The rate of cataract formation was significantly lower in the group treated with captopril than in the enalapril group. A difference in morphology of lens opacity formation between the two study groups was observed.
Conclusions: ACEIs delay diabetic cataractogenesis in an experimental animal model. The ACEI functional groups have different influences on the pattern and rate of lens opacity.