Zeitschrift für diabetische Komplikationen und Medizin

UV-B Exposure Increases the Activity of Indoleamine 2, 3-Dioxygenase (Ido) and Alters the Levels of Tryptophan Metabolites in Indian Ground Squirrel (Funambulus Palmarum) Lens

Abstract

Nagalaxmi V, Praveen Kumar M, Sashidhar RB and Turlapati Naga Raju

The ocular lens of the ground squirrel is an excellent model for studies of eye light interactions that may apply to the human system. UV-B radiation induced damage to the eye lens is believed to be mediated through ROS Antioxidant systems, both enzymatic and non- enzymatic aid in preventing the damage to the lens. The activity of indoleamine 2,3- dioxygenase (IDO), a first rate limiting enzyme of tryptophan catabolism, has been studied in the lenses of Indian ground squirrel exposed to UV-B radiation. Further, antioxidants and oxidative stress markers have also been investigated to assess the oxidative status. Our investigation revealed an increased indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity and tryptophan metabolites suggesting their protective role in UV stress. The study indicates that UV-B irradiation for 12 h and 24 h (300 nm; 100 μw/cm2) of lens samples led to a marginal decrease in GSH and increase in carbonyls and MDA levels reflecting the role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in protecting the lens tissue.