Red blood cells galactose-1-P-urydil transferase in senile and presenile cataracts.

There are conflicting reports in the literature regarding the role of partial deficiency of "galactosemic" enzymes (galactose-1-P-urydil transferase and galactokinase) in the development of infantile and presenile cataract. The AA. have investigated the levels of Red Blood Cell Galactose-1-P-urydil transferase in 39 cataractous patients and in 22 age matched controls. A weak correlation between the enzymatic activity deficiency and the presenile cataract has been identified. The results suggest that a chronic impairment of galactose metabolism may be a contributory risk factor in the pathogenesis of presenile cataracts; however, further investigations are required to assess the actual significance of the findings of the present paper.