LCN2 aggravates diabetic cataracts by promoting ferroptosis in lens epithelial cells

Abstract

Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide. Diabetic cataract (DC), a prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus, is characterized by its high occurrence, rapid progression, and severe impact. The prevalence of diabetes varies greatly between the northern and southern regions, with higher rates observed among northern residents. DC-induced lens opacity is mainly attributed to oxidative stress. However, it remains unclear whether ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death, occurs in crystalline epithelial cells during the pathogenesis, which may represent a novel mechanism contributing to DC.

Keywords

• lipocalin-2
• ferroptosis
• diabetic cataracts