Mitigation of cataractogenic potential of cyanide by antioxidant vitamin administration

The effect of antioxidant vitamin (AOV) administration on cyanide-induced ocular damage was investigated in New Zealand White rabbits maintained for 30 days on either pure growers mash or mash + 400ppm cyanide with or without oral AOVs. Cyanide caused significant decreases in superoxide dismutase, catalase and Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase; and significant increases in malondialdehyde levels in the lens (p < 0.05). AOVs reversed the elevation in malondialdehyde but had no effect on the enzymes. The results suggest that the damaging effects of oxidative stress imposed by cyanide on the lens can be mitigated by AOVs, probably through enhancement of its antioxidant status rather than directly reversing the inhibition of SOD and catalase. This underscores the need for AOV supplements especially by individuals routinely exposed to habitual, dietary and occupational cyanide.