Cataract incidence and analysis of lens crystallins in the water-, urea-and SDS-soluble fractions of Emory mice fed a diet restricted by 40% in calories

Abstract

Restriction of dietary calorie intake is associated with life extension and with the delay of age-related disorders. Preliminary studies demonstrated that by feeding the Emory mouse a diet restricted by 21% in calories cataract and insolubilization of protein could also be delayed. To observe the effects of calorie restriction over prolonged portions of adulthood, Emory mice were fed the control diet (C) or a diet restricted by 40% in calories (R). Feeding the R diet was associated with delayed formation or progress of cataract over virtually the entire second half of life. At 11 months of age, bilateral grade 5 cataracts were present in 17% and 2% of C and R lenses, respectively. At 22 months of age, bilateral grade 5 cataracts were present in 90% and 18% of C and R lenses, respectively. The distribution of $aL, β-, and γ-crystallins in the water-soluble, urea-soluble, and SDS-soluble fractions indicates more similarities than differences between C and R lenses with a specific grade of cataract or of a given age. However, there were significant and abrupt (after grade 4 cataract) losses of particular γ-crystallins; γ-crystallins which were not prominent at earlier stages became the major γ-crystallin moieties. Losses of $aL-crystallins were also noted upon cataract formation or aging in most of the fractions. Aggregates including γ-and $aL-crystallins also accumulate faster in the C group.