Downregulation of TRPV4 and LRRC8A in Crystalline Lenses of Diabetic Patients May Contribute to Cataractogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with increased cataract risk, potentially due to osmotic imbalance from intracellular sorbitol accumulation affecting lens cell volume regulation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of Kir4.1, TRPV4, and LRRC8A channels-key regulators of cell volume-in the anterior lens capsule of patients with and without T2DM. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using anterior lens capsules from 50 patients undergoing cataract surgery (24 with T2DM, and 26 non-diabetic). Cataract severity was graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System III, and immunofluorescence was used to quantify protein expression. RESULTS: T2DM patients exhibited greater severity in cortical and nuclear cataracts, particularly among women. Diabetic samples showed increased Kir4.1 and decreased TRPV4 and LRRC8A expression. CONCLUSION: The study identifies associations between T2DM and altered expression of osmoregulatory proteins in the lens capsule, which may relate to the formation and severity of cataracts. These exploratory findings warrant further investigation to clarify underlying mechanisms.