• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.160-168
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• 2004

Background and Objectives: Tinnitus is on the increase due to the increase in the elderly population, industrial pollution and noise pollution. This symptom is especially marked in patients with a hearing problem and the relationship between cause, mechanism and treatment is poorly understood. The characteristics of tinnitus and other hearing problems are well brought out using an animal model with salicylate ototoxicity. Therapeutic effects of Uncariae Ramulis and Testudinis Plastrum were expected in tinnitus and hearing problems; therefore we experimented on an animal model with salicylate ototoxicity. Salicylate is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs, although it has been recognized that salicylate induces hearing loss and tinnitus reversibly. The purpose of this study was to find the therapeutic effects of this by the morphologic study using salicylate ototoxicity. Materials and Methods : Twelve healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: normal, control and sample. The sample group was treated with the extract of Uncariae Ramulis and Testudinis Plastrum (1cc/100g, once a day for 6 days). Then, to induce the salicylate ototoxicity in the control and sample groups, rats were injected intraperitoneally with sodium salicylate (500mg/kg). We observed the morphologic changes in the cochlea of the rats every 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours after injection. Results : The outer hair cells showed marked changes. Vacuolization formed in the cuticular plate and the endoplasm of the control group. The endoplasm and the cuticular plates of the sample group after 2 hours were similar to the control group, but the cuticular plates of the sample group observed after 3, 4 and 5 hours were not similar. Conclusions : The results suggest that an extract of Uncariae Ramulis and Testudinis Plastrum has therapeutic effects on an animal model with salicylate ototoxicity.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.221-233
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• 2005

Background and Objectives : Despite of high prevalence, Tinnitus remains obscure because the cause and mechanism is poorly understood. In the absence of a suitable animal model, past investigations tool place in humans. Recently, the animal model with sodium salicylate ototoxicity is broadly used because of its reversibility. Balyangtongum-Tang had been used clinically to treat tinnitus and other hearing problems. We investigated the effects of Balyangtongum-Tang on cochlear morphologic change induced by sodium salicylate ototoxicity and were to find out its therapeutic effects on ototoxicity in rat model. Materials and Methods : Healthy ten Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into normal(2), control(4) and sample(4) groups. The sample group was given extract of Balyangtongum - Tang(1cc/100g) once a day for 4 days. After 3 hours when last medication were given, the sample and control groups were injected intraperitoneally with sodium salicylate(500mg/kg). We observed the cochlear morphologic changes of rats every 1, 2, 3 and 5 hours after injection. Results : The electron microscopic finding of outer hair cell shows some changes in the curticular plate and cytoplasm. Some vacuoles were found in the control and sample groups. Vacuolization in the curticular plate and cytoplasm of the sample group after 3, 5 hours were similar to the control group. But the curticular plate of the sample group after 1, 2 hours did not from vacuole. On the other hand the control group after 1, 2 hours formed vacuoles in the curticular plate. Light microscopic findings of cochlear duct in control and sample groups didn't find any difference. Conclusion : The results suggest that extract of Balyangtongum-Tang reduces the morphologic changes induced by sodium salicylate ototoxicity and the effects are remarkable in frist 2 hours. However the effective times are different with previous studies, it seems to due to the difference of tolerance and sensitivity of laboratory animals.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.214-218
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• 2007

The water extracts of Samultang (Samul) has been used for treatment of ischemic heart and brain damage in Oriental traditional medicine. However, little is known about the mechanism by which the water extract of Samul rescues cells from oxidative damages in cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent that is also highly ototoxic. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Samul on ciplatin-induced ototoxicity in HEI-OC1 auditory cells and organ of Corti explant culture. Cisplatin markedly decreased the viability of HEI-OC1 auditory cells. However, treatment of HEI-OC1 cells with Samul significantly reduced cisplatin-induced cell death and apoptotic characteristics through reduction of intracellular peroxide generation. Cisplatin induced cytotoxicity in isolated and cultured hair cell progenitors from postnatal rat cochleae. These progenitor cells are isolated from the lesser epithelial ridge (LER, or outer spiral sulcus cell) area of pre-plated neonatal rat cochlear segments. However, Samul completely protected the morphological changes of organ of Corti and LER. Taken together, these data suggest that the protective effects of the water extracts of Samul against cisplatin may be mediated by the reduction of intracellular peroxide generation.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.699-706
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• 2012

The water extract of Younggyechulgam-tang (YGCGT) has been traditionally used in treatment of tinnitus in Oriental Medicine. However, little is known about the mechanism by which YGCGT rescues ototoxicity. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the protective effect of YGCGT against cisplatin-induced toxicity in HEI-OC1 auditory cells, organotypic cultures of cochlear explants from three-day postnatal rats (P3). Pretreatment with YGCGT ameliorated apoptotic death induced by cisplatin in HEI-OC1 cells and organotypic cultures of Corti's organ. YGCGT pretreatment also significantly suppressed cisplatin-induced increases in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Treatment with YGCGT resulted in an increased expression of HO-1 and Bcl-2. These results suggest that YGCGT induced HO-1 signaling pathway, which ultimately prevents free radical stresses from cisplatin and further contributes to protect auditory sensory hair cells from free radicals produced by cisplatin.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.114-119
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• 2013

Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of the ears. The inner ear's endolymph differs from all other extracellular fluids (in its positive potential) and in the ionic compositions in the various parts of the endolymphatic space. Ion concentration of the endolymph is 150 mM of potassium, which is comparable to the concentrations in other organs. Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II: CDDP) is one of the most effective anticancer drugs, widely used against various tumors. However, its clinical use is limited by the onset of severe side effects, including ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. For ototoxicity, a number of evidences in cytotoxic mechanism of cisplatin, including perturbation of redox status, increase in lipid peroxydation, and formation of DNA adduct, have been suggested. Therefore, in this study, the author investigated the relationship between the potassium ions on cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in HEI-OC1 cells associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS). KCNE1 gene expression by the concentration of intracellular potassium appeared in the plasma membrane and increased the concentration of intracellular potassium. Cisplatin decreased the viability of HEI-OC1 cells, but the KCNE1 gene increased. Also, the KCNE1 gene significantly suppressed generation of intracellular ROS by cisplatin. Western blot analysis showed that the KCNE1 gene increased phase II detoxification enzymes markers such as superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), superoxide dismutase (SOD2), NAD(P)H:quinine oxidoreductases (NQO1), which were associated with the scavenger of ROS. These results suggest that the KCNE1 gene for intracellular potassium concentration ultimately prevents ROS generation from cisplatin and further contributes to protect auditory sensory hair cells from ROS produced by cisplatin.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.177-182
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• 2008

Caveolin proteins are mediators of cell death or the survival of injured cells, and they are inhibitors of various signaling pathways. The expression of caveolin-, which is involved in the protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway, was examined in the differentiated mouse vestibular cell line UB/UE-1 after gentamicin ototoxicity. Caveolae in the vestibular hair cell of healthy guinea pigs were observed through an electron microscope. UB/UE-1 cells were cultured at 95% $CO_2$ with 5% $O_2$ at $33^{\circ}C$ for 48 hours and at 95% $CO_2$ with 5% $O_2$ at $39^{\circ}C$ for 24 hours for differentiation. Cells were treated with 1 mM gentamicin, 0.02 mM H89 (PKA inhibitor), and then incubated for 24 hours. Caveolin-1 expression was examined by western blotting and PKA activity by a $PepTag^{(R)}$ assay. Caveolae were observed in the vestibular hair cells of healthy guinea pigs by electron microscopy. Caveolin-1 was expressed spontaneously in differentiated UB/UE-1 cells and increased after gentamicin treatment. PKA was also over-activated by gentamicin treatment. Both gentamicin-induced caveolin-1 expression and PKA over-activation were inhibited by H89. These results indicate that gentamicin-induced caveolin-1 expression is mediated by the PKA signaling pathway. We conclude that caveolae/ caveolin activity, induced via a PKA signaling pathway, may be one of the mechanisms of gentamicin-induced ototoxicity.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.133-140
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• 2009

Caveolin may be a molecular target for modulation of aging process in cochlear hair cells and have association with oxotoxicity. First we investigated the basal expression of caveolin-1, caveolin-2, caveolin-3, nitric oxide synthase, and superoxide dismutase in UB/OC-1 cochlear hair cell line. By using a RNA interference technique, we investigated whether down-regulation of caveolin influenced telomerase activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cochlear hair cells. In addition, cisplatin and gentamycin, known ototoxic drugs, were administered to the cochlear cells to determine their impact on caveolin expression. Further attempts at elucidating cellular aging mechanism with caveolin and ototoxic drugs were carried out. The main discoveries were the presence of caveolin-1 in UB/OC-1 cells and that down-regulation of caveolin-1 reduced protein kinase A activity. Telomerase was activated by caveolin down-regulation and caveolin down-regulation inhibited oxidative stress at the mitochondrial level. When cisplatin and gentamycin were administered to the cochlear hair cells during a caveolin expression state, a decrease in telomerase activity and increase ROS activity was observed. Caveolin-1 may modulate the senescent mechanisms in cochlear cells. An increase in caveolin-1 levels can lead to ROS production in the mitochondria which may cause ototoxicity.

• Journal of Audiology & Otology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.69-75
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• 2019

Background and Objectives: The antioxidant ebselen will be able to limit or prevent the ototoxicity arising from 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD). Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) disease is a disorder of lysosomal storage manifested in sphingolipidosis. Recently, it was noted that experimental use of HPβCD could partially resolve the symptoms in both animals and human patients. Despite its desirable effect, HPβCD can induce hearing loss, which is the only major side effect noted to date. Understanding of the pathophysiology of hearing impairment after administration of HPβCD and further development of preventive methods are essential to reduce the ototoxic side effect. The mechanisms of HPβCD-induced ototoxicity remain unknown, but the resulting pathology bears some resemblance to other ototoxic agents, which involves oxidative stress pathways. To indirectly determine the involvement of oxidative stress in HPβCD-induced ototoxicity, we tested the efficacy of an antioxidant reagent, ebselen, on the extent of inner ear side effects caused by HPβCD. Materials and Methods: Ebselen was applied prior to administration of HPβCD in mice. Auditory brainstem response thresholds and otopathology were assessed one week later. Bilateral effects of the drug treatments also were examined. Results: HPβCD-alone resulted in bilateral, severe, and selective loss of outer hair cells from base to apex with an abrupt transition between lesions and intact areas. Ebselen co-treatment did not ameliorate HPβCD-induced hearing loss or alter the resulting histopathology. Conclusions: The results indirectly suggest that cochlear damage by HPβCD is unrelated to reactive oxygen species formation. However, further research into the mechanism(s) of HPβCD otopathology is necessary.

• Korean Journal of Audiology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.69-75
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• 2019

Background and Objectives: The antioxidant ebselen will be able to limit or prevent the ototoxicity arising from 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD). Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) disease is a disorder of lysosomal storage manifested in sphingolipidosis. Recently, it was noted that experimental use of HPβCD could partially resolve the symptoms in both animals and human patients. Despite its desirable effect, HPβCD can induce hearing loss, which is the only major side effect noted to date. Understanding of the pathophysiology of hearing impairment after administration of HPβCD and further development of preventive methods are essential to reduce the ototoxic side effect. The mechanisms of HPβCD-induced ototoxicity remain unknown, but the resulting pathology bears some resemblance to other ototoxic agents, which involves oxidative stress pathways. To indirectly determine the involvement of oxidative stress in HPβCD-induced ototoxicity, we tested the efficacy of an antioxidant reagent, ebselen, on the extent of inner ear side effects caused by HPβCD. Materials and Methods: Ebselen was applied prior to administration of HPβCD in mice. Auditory brainstem response thresholds and otopathology were assessed one week later. Bilateral effects of the drug treatments also were examined. Results: HPβCD-alone resulted in bilateral, severe, and selective loss of outer hair cells from base to apex with an abrupt transition between lesions and intact areas. Ebselen co-treatment did not ameliorate HPβCD-induced hearing loss or alter the resulting histopathology. Conclusions: The results indirectly suggest that cochlear damage by HPβCD is unrelated to reactive oxygen species formation. However, further research into the mechanism(s) of HPβCD otopathology is necessary.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.329-336
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• 2017

A review study was conducted to examine the adverse effects of styrene, styrene mixtures, or styrene and/or styrene mixtures and noise on the auditory system in humans employed in occupational settings. The search included peer-reviewed articles published in English language involving human volunteers spanning a 25-year period (1990-2015). Studies included peer review journals, caseecontrol studies, and case reports. Animal studies were excluded. An initial search identified 40 studies. After screening for inclusion, 13 studies were retrieved for full journal detail examination and review. As a whole, the results range from no to mild associations between styrene exposure and auditory dysfunction, noting relatively small sample sizes. However, four studies investigating styrene with other organic solvent mixtures and noise suggested combined exposures to both styrene organic solvent mixtures may be more ototoxic than exposure to noise alone. There is little literature examining the effect of styrene on auditory functioning in humans. Nonetheless, findings suggest public health professionals and policy makers should be made aware of the future research needs pertaining to hearing impairment and ototoxicity from styrene. It is recommended that chronic styrene-exposed individuals be routinely evaluated with a comprehensive audiological test battery to detect early signs of auditory dysfunction.