Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
09:52
Trans-Tympanic Drug Delivery for the Treatment of Ototoxicity
Published on: March 16, 2018
Astragalosides reduce cisplatin ototoxicity in guinea pigs
Min Xiong1, Qinglian He, Jian Wang
1Department of Otolaryngology, General Hospital of PLA Guangzhou Command, Guangzhou, China. dr_xiong@163.com
Summary
Astragalosides, a natural antioxidant, may protect against cisplatin-induced hearing loss by reducing nitric oxide (NO) and oxidative stress. This study suggests astragalosides mitigate cisplatin ototoxicity, preserving cochlear function and hair cells.
Area of Science:
- Ototoxicity research
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cisplatin chemotherapy is associated with high-frequency neurosensory hearing loss.
- Reactive oxygen species are implicated in cisplatin ototoxicity, but the role of reactive nitrogen species, specifically nitric oxide (NO), remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.
- To evaluate the protective effects of astragalosides, a natural antioxidant, against cisplatin ototoxicity in a guinea pig model.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs received cisplatin, astragalosides, or a combination.
- Auditory brainstem-evoked responses (ABRs) were measured to assess hearing function.
- Cochlear tissues were analyzed for NO and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels; scanning electron microscopy examined hair cell damage.
Main Results:
- Cisplatin induced significant ABR threshold shifts, while astragalosides alone did not.
- Astragalosides co-administration significantly reduced ABR threshold shifts at lower frequencies (clicks, 8-kHz, 16-kHz).
- Lower NO and MDA concentrations and reduced outer hair cell loss were observed in the astragalosides/cisplatin group compared to cisplatin alone.
Conclusions:
- Astragalosides demonstrate a protective effect against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.
- The antioxidant properties of astragalosides appear to mediate this protective effect, potentially by reducing NO and oxidative stress in the cochlea.
