Delay of Cataract Development in the Shumiya Cataract Rat by Water Containing Enhanced Concentrations of Magnesium and Calcium

Abstract

We demonstrate a delaying effect of deep-sea drinking water (DDW) containing enhanced magnesium ion (Mg^{2 +}) and calcium ion (Ca^{2 +}) concentrations on cataract development in Shumiya cataract rats (SCRs). The lenses of SCRs administered DDW-200 (Mg^{2 +}, 200 mg/L, Ca^{2 +}; 71 mg/L) were less opaque than those in SCRs administered purified water (PW). In SCRs administered DDW-200, a decrease in Mg^{2 +} content and an increase in Ca^{2 +} content in the lenses was prevented in comparison with SCRs administered PW. Nitric oxide (NO) levels in the lenses of SCRs administered DDW-200 were lower than those in SCRs administered PW. In conclusion, the administration of DDW-200 to SCRs has a potent delaying effect on cataract development, possibly due to preventing an increase in NO levels in the lens.

KEYWORDS:

• calcium
• deep-sea drinking water
• magnesium
• nitric oxide
• Shumiya cataract rat