Exploration of molecular factors impairing superoxide dismutase isoforms activity in human senile cataractous lenses.

Purpose: To explore different molecular factors impairing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoforms in senile cataractous lenses.

Methods: Enzyme activity of SOD isoforms, levels of their corresponding cofactors copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and expression of mRNA transcripts and proteins were determined in the lenses of human subjects with and without cataract. DNA from lens epithelium (LE) and peripheral blood was isolated.