Otology & Neurotology | 2021
Effects of Moringa Extract on Aminoglycoside-Induced Hair Cell Death and Organ of Corti Damage
Abstract
Hypothesis: Moringa extract, a naturally occurring anti-oxidant, protects against aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death and hearing loss within the organ of Corti. Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) arise primarily in the mitochondria and have been implicated in aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity. Mitochondrial dysfunction results in loss of membrane potential, release of caspases, and cell apoptosis. Moringa extract has not previously been examined as a protective agent for aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity. Methods: Putative otoprotective effects of moringa extract were investigated in an organotypic model using murine organ of Corti explants subjected to gentamicin-induced ototoxicity. Assays evaluated hair cell loss, cytochrome oxidase expression, mitochondrial membrane potential integrity, and caspase activity. Results: In vitro application of moringa conferred significant protection from gentamicin-induced hair cell loss at dosages from 25 to 300\u200aμg/mL, with dosages above 100\u200aμg/mL conferring near complete protection. Assays demonstrated moringa extract suppression of ROS, preservation of cytochrome oxidase activity, and reduction in caspase production. Conclusion: Moringa extract demonstrated potent antioxidant properties with significant protection against gentamicin ototoxicity in cochlear explants.