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Trans-Tympanic Drug Delivery for the Treatment of Ototoxicity
Published on: March 16, 2018
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Thioether-functionalized polycarbonate nanosponges mitigate cisplatin-induced ototoxicity via ROS scavenging and
Hang Yan1, Bo Liu2, Zilong Chen1
1State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China.
Summary
A novel nanosponge platform loaded with astaxanthin effectively protects against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. This drug delivery system chelates cisplatin and scavenges reactive oxygen species, preserving hearing function.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Ototoxicity Research
Background:
- Cisplatin is a vital chemotherapy drug but causes severe ototoxicity, impacting hearing and cognitive function.
- Current treatments for cisplatin-induced ototoxicity are limited, necessitating novel protective strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a multifunctional nanosponge platform (NPs@AST) for mitigating cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.
- To investigate the dual mechanisms of action: cisplatin chelation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized a polycarbonate-based nanosponge loaded with astaxanthin via ring-opening polymerization.
- Administered NPs@AST transtympanically in C57BL/6 mice models.
- Assessed auditory function using auditory brainstem response (ABR) and evaluated cochlear retention and otoprotection.
Main Results:
- NPs@AST demonstrated prolonged cochlear retention and significant otoprotection.
- The nanosponge preserved auditory thresholds (~35 dB) compared to controls (~70 dB) 21 days post-treatment.
- Dual mechanisms of cisplatin chelation and ROS scavenging by thioether groups and astaxanthin were confirmed.
Conclusions:
- The ROS-responsive polycarbonate nanoplatform (NPs@AST) offers a promising strategy to reduce cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.
- This system provides a foundation for developing advanced, low-toxicity inner-ear drug delivery systems for chemotherapy patients.
