Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of intratympanic alpha lipoic acid (α-LA) on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity by using distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE).

MATERIALS and METHODS: A total of 24 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups: group 1 received intraperitoneal (IP) saline + intratympanic (IT) saline as a control group for 4 days (n=8), group 2 received IP cisplatin (20 mg/kg) + IT saline (0.1-0.3 mL) for 4 days (n=8), and group 3 received IP cisplatin (20 mg/kg) + IT α-LA (25 mg/mL) for 4 days (n=8). DPOAEs were performed prior to the procedure and at the end of the experiment on day 5.

RESULTS: Statistically significant DPOAE amplitude reductions were found in the group 2 at all frequencies (2–9 kHz) that demonstrate severe cisplatin ototoxicity (p<0.01). IT α-LA injection provided a protective effect against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity at 3.2, 3.8, 4.5, 5.4, 6.3, and 7.6 kHz frequencies (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: In our study IT α-LA showed a protective effect against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in a large frequency range.