Objective: In order to search for the main composition and conformational changes of lens proteins in senile cataract.
Methods: We firstly used Fourier transform Raman and infrared (FTRaman and FTIR) spectroscopy and semi-quantitative method in the integral calculus of related peaks to determine the conformational changes of lens protein during opacification of varying grade.
Results: The spectral features of lenses with grade III cataract were intermediate between human clear lenses (grade 0) and grade IV or grade V cataractous lenses. The spectral characteristics of lenses with grade IV were very similar to that with grade V lenses, and some peaks of them were not seen in human clear lenses. The two spectral analyses showed that some findings were identical and some findings were complementary.
Conclusion: The development of lens opacification is correlated not only with the relative contents of alpha-, beta-, gamma-crystallines in lens proteins but also with the various damaged SH, trp, phe, -CH2 in lens protein of senile cataract.