Ototoxicity of Divalent Metals.

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Oto-toxicology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Heavy metal exposure causes diverse clinical conditions affecting specific organs.
• Chronic exposure to metals like cobalt, manganese, cadmium, lead, and mercury is linked to hearing deficits.
• The inner ear's complexity complicates understanding metal-induced hearing loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review anatomical, cellular, and functional changes in the cochlea due to excessive heavy metal exposure.
• To investigate the ototoxic effects of manganese, cadmium, cobalt, lead, and mercury.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of previous studies, case reports, and ex vivo research.
• Focus on changes within the cochlea, the auditory sensory organ.
• Analysis of anatomical, cellular, and functional alterations.

Main Results:

• Heavy metals selectively target specific cellular components within the cochlea.
• Diverse and specific clinical manifestations of metal toxicity are observed.
• Hearing deficits can be reversible or irreversible depending on accumulated metal dose.

Conclusions:

• Excessive exposure to specific heavy metals induces cochlear damage, leading to hearing impairment.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for preventing and treating metal-induced hearing loss.
• Further investigation into common pathological conditions caused by heavy metals is warranted.