Estudio del efecto protector de la melatonina en el cristalino, análisis de su acción hipotensora y modulación de su secreción usando un filtro amarillo

Abstract

The lens is an avascular and transparent structure located in the anterior pole of the eyeball behind the iris. Its main function is to focus light on the retina. The opacification or loss of transparency of the lens generates cataracts, which are the main cause of reversible blindness in the world. Oxidative stress is a key pathological mechanism in cataract progress.Melatonin is a neurohormone mainly secreted by the pineal gland and also produced at eye structures such as the ciliary body, the retina and the lens. The synthesis and release of melatonin follows a circadian rhythm. Melatonin release is suppressed by the activation of the photopigment melanopsin by light. Recent studies have shown the presence of melanopsin in the lens and how its activation by blue light exposure decreases the expression of enzymes involved in melatonin biosynthesis as well as neurohormone production, suggesting that light modulation, for example with filters, could regulate melatonin in the eye. Among the functions of melatonin in the eye highlights its possible role as an antioxidant agent. Taking into account the relationship of cataracts with oxidative stress, the anticataratogenic potential of melatonin has been suggested. It is unknown whether ocular melatonin levels are altered in cataracts, which could affect the disease progression...