Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2025
Trans-Tympanic Drug Delivery for the Treatment of Ototoxicity
Published on: March 16, 2018
Protective role of pyrroloquinoline quinone against gentamicin induced cochlear hair cell ototoxicity
Kunyi Wu1, Botao Wang2, Bo Cao1
1Core Research Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Abstract:
Gentamicin (GM) is one of the commonly used antibiotics in the aminoglycoside class but is ototoxic, which constantly impacts the quality of human life. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) as a redox cofactor produced by bacteria was found in soil and foods that exert an antioxidant and redox modulator. It is well documented that the PQQ can alleviate inflammatory responses and cytotoxicity. However, our understanding of PQQ in ototoxicity remains unclear. We reported that PQQ could protect against GM-induced ototoxicity in House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells in vitro. To evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial function, ROS and JC-1 staining, oxygen consumption rate (OCR), and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) measurements in living cells, mitochondrial dynamics analysis was performed. GM-mediated damage was performed by reducing the production of ROS and inhibiting mitochondria biogenesis and dynamics. PQQ ameliorated the cellular oxidative stress and recovered mitochondrial membrane potential, facilitating the recovery of mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics. Our in vitro findings improve our understanding of the GM-induced ototoxicity with therapeutic implications for PQQ.
Insights
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) protects against gentamicin-induced ototoxicity by reducing oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function in auditory cells. This finding suggests PQQ as a potential therapeutic agent for gentamicin-induced hearing damage.
Area of Science:
- Ototoxicity research
- Cellular biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gentamicin (GM), an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is known for its ototoxicity, negatively impacting human life.
- Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a bacterial redox cofactor found in foods, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- The role of PQQ in mitigating aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of PQQ against gentamicin-induced ototoxicity in vitro.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying PQQ's potential therapeutic action in ototoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells for in vitro studies.
- Assessed reactive oxygen species (ROS) production using ROS and JC-1 staining.
- Measured mitochondrial function via oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) assays.
- Analyzed mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis.
Main Results:
- Gentamicin exposure induced cellular damage by increasing ROS production and impairing mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics.
- PQQ treatment significantly ameliorated gentamicin-induced oxidative stress in HEI-OC1 cells.
- PQQ recovered mitochondrial membrane potential and facilitated the restoration of mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics.
Conclusions:
- PQQ demonstrates a protective effect against gentamicin-induced ototoxicity in an in vitro cell model.
- PQQ mitigates ototoxicity by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing mitochondrial function.
- These findings highlight PQQ's therapeutic potential for managing gentamicin-induced ototoxicity.
