Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
09:52
Trans-Tympanic Drug Delivery for the Treatment of Ototoxicity
Published on: March 16, 2018
Rare ginsenoside Rk1 protects against cisplatin-induced auditory damage by regulating the MST1/LONP1 pathway.
Xue Bai1, Zhen-Xian Zhang2, Sha-Sha Sun1
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
Summary
Rare ginsenosides, particularly Rk1, protect against cisplatin-induced hearing loss by regulating the MST1/LONP1 pathway. This study offers a potential therapeutic strategy for chemotherapy-induced ototoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Ototoxicity Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cisplatin chemotherapy can cause dose-dependent ototoxicity, limiting its use.
- Ginsenosides exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, suggesting potential for mitigating chemotherapy-induced auditory damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of rare ginsenosides against cisplatin-induced hearing loss.
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying this protective effect.
Main Methods:
- Established in vitro and in vivo models of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.
- Compared efficacy of primary vs. rare ginsenosides (Rk1, Rg5, Rh2).
- Assessed auditory function and utilized transcriptome sequencing and Western blotting to explore the MST1/LONP1 pathway.
Main Results:
- Ginsenosides, especially rare ones, significantly reduced cisplatin-induced cochlear hair cell damage.
- Rk1 directly interacts with MST1, regulating the MST1/LONP1 pathway.
- Rk1 improved mitochondrial function and protected against cisplatin-induced hearing loss.
Conclusions:
- The MST1/LONP1 pathway is implicated in cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.
- Rk1 demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for preventing and treating cisplatin-induced hearing loss by modulating this pathway.