Efficacy of different routes of administration for Coenzyme Q10 formulation in noise-induced hearing loss: Systemic versus transtympanic modality

Abstract

Conclusion: The effectiveness of a coenzyme Q10 formulation, Q-ter, given via transtympanic injection is interesting for the future application of this minimally invasive procedure in the treatment of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced hearing loss. Objective: We focused on antioxidant therapy in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Our study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Q-ter for different schedules of drug administration to establish the best modality for treatment. Methods: Rats were exposed to acoustic trauma (10 kHz at 120 dB for 60 min) and received Q-ter according to two modalities: systemic (Q-ter 100 mg/kg for 4 days 1 h before and 3 days post noise exposure) and transtympanic (Q-ter 20 and 40% concentration 1 h before noise exposure). Auditory brainstem response (ABR), immunohistochemical and morphological studies were performed. Results: Q-ter administration significantly decreased NIHL at day 21 from noise exposure. The improvement of auditory function by Q-ter was paralleled by a significant reduction in oxidative stress. The transtympanic and systemic routes of drug administration showed a similar degree of protection.

Keywords::

• Cochlea
• antioxidant therapy
• acoustic trauma
• oxidative stress

Acknowledgment

This research was supported by grants Fondi di Ateneo UCSC, Rome, Italy. The Authors thank Dr. Giorgio Manini for critical reading of manuscript.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.