Fig. 6

Histopathological characteristics in advanced cataract. A H&E staining of frontal sections shows regular and ordered cortical fibers in the equator region, and B followed by merged and completely deteriorated fibers toward the lens center. C A section along the cortical fiber lengths shows thin spaces between neighboring fibers and accumulated amorphous material therein (arrowheads). D The progression caused widening of the spaces between the fibers and accumulation of more deposits (arrows). E Frontal section of ASC shows local proliferation of cells, while surrounding fibers were normal. F Inline formation of migratory cells in advanced cataractous lens. G Massive disorganization of cortical fibers, sub-epithelial micro-lesions (black arrows), and H sub-capsular amorphous material accumulation were observed (arrowhead). I DAPI positive staining and DIC overlay shows a cell invading into the lens capsule. J Significant capsular defect, surrounded by proliferative cells. K Lens glucose and L GSH concentrations in NGR and STZ-induced diabetic animals. Young non-diabetic NGR (n = 18, 5.6 ± 0.2 m), and diabetic NGR (n = 21, 5.5 ± 0.1 m), aged non-diabetic NGR (n = 12, 13.1 ± 0.2 m) and diabetic NGR (n = 16, 14.2 ± 0.5 m). Long Evans rats, 2 weeks T1D (n = 6), 4 months T1D (n = 4), and age-matched control animals. M Negative correlation between HbA1c and lens GSH in NGR (n = 67, y = − 1.3x + 22.3)