AIM: To explore the involvement of oxidative stress and apoptosis in the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract induced by Streptozotocin(STZ)and the interventions of puerarin in order to supply references for clinical treatment.

METHODS: Male SD rats were divided into four groups randomly, control group, diabetic group, apocynin group and puerarin group. The diabetic group were replicated by single injection of STZ(65mg/kg, ip). The expression of p22, p47, p67, Bax/Bcl2, Caspase 3 and P53 proteins were detected by Western Blotting.

RESULTS: The diabetic rats were replicated successfully and the expression of Bcl2 was downregulated while the expression of p22, p47, p67, Bax, Caspase 3 and P53 were upregulated in diabetic group with a significant statistical differences when compared with control group(P<0.05). Apocynin and prerarin can reverse the abnormal expression of the aforementioned proteins dramatically(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: NADPH oxidase mediated oxidative stress and P53, Bax/Bcl2 mediated apoptosis are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract and puerarin can alleviate cataract greatly by inhibiting the aforementioned signal pathway.