ROLE OF NAPROXEN AS ANTIOXIDANT IN SELENITE CATARACT

Naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug has been evaluated for its anticataract action in the prevention of cataracts induced by selenite. Administration of a single dose of sodium selenite intraperitoneally resulted in the development of advanced cataracts in 100% of the eyes within 5-6 days. Treatment with naproxen resulted in showing a significant preventive effect. The biochemical parameters like glutathione, malonaldehyde or soluble and insoluble protein contents indicate that selenite causes cataract due to oxidative stress. The observations also suggest that naproxen acts as an anti-oxidant.