Effects of Didang Qigui Decoction on Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Cataract in Rats.

[Objective] Observe effects of Didang Qigui decoction on crystalline lens, lens epithelial cells and the level of HSP70 in rats with streptozotocin induced diabetic cataract. [Methods] 10 SD rats were randomly selected as the blank control group, and the rest of rats were injected 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin(STZ) into the enterocoelia at one time to reproduce diabetic rats models. 55 of the model animals were selected and randomly divided into model group, diamicron group, Didang Qigui decoction group, Didang Qigui decoction high dose group, Didang Qigui decoction and diamicron group, and corresponding interference was given to each group respectively. Turbidity of the lens was examined under the slit lamp respectively at 2, 4, 6, 8 week; after 8 weeks, morphologic changes of crystalline lens were observed under the microscope, and the expressions of HSP70 in lens epithelial cells(LEC) were detected. [Results] Crystalline lens of rats in the blank control group were always transparent and complete. Those of rats in the model group were gradually changed until becoming complete turbid. The rest of treatment groups with turbidity degree of rats' lens from heavy to light were Didang Qigui decoction high dose group, Didang Qigui decoction group, diamicron group, and Didang Qigui decoction and diamicron group. Forms of HE staining lens epithelial cells were also changed. If rats in the blank control group were taken as standards, expressions of HSP70 in LEC of crystalline lens in the model group gradually rose. In the treatment groups, the rate of HSP70 positive expression of rats in the Didang Qigui decoction high dose group was higher than that rate in diamicron group, idang Qigui decoction group, and Didang Qigui decoction and diamicron group. The discrepancy was very obvious (P < 0. 05). [Conclusions] By reducing blood glucose, gathering of sugar metabolites and osmotic pressure in crystalline lens, Didang Qigui decoction can effectively protect lens injury in experimental diabetic rats and inhibit the occurrence and development of cataract in diabetic rats, so it exerts certain preventive and therapeutic effects on early diabetic cataract in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]