The effects of ethyl pyruvate against experimentally induced cisplatin ototoxicity in rats

Introduction: Cisplatin (CDDP) is a widely used antineoplastic drug. However, its use is limited due to the ototoxic side effects. In this study, the effects of ethyl pyruvate (EP), known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, against CDDP ototoxicity were investigated. Methods: Thirty-two Wistar albino rats (n:8) were used in this study. CDDP was administered i.p. as a single dose of 15 mg/kg/day in order to cause ototoxicity. EP was applied i.p. at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 7 days. Results: When the Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) tests carried out in the pre-treatment and post-treatment periods were examined, it was observed that the hearing functions were significantly impaired with the CDDP application, while a significant improvement was observed in the CDDP + EP group. Compared to the control group, the CDDP group had significantly higher malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and significantly lower glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels. In the CDDP + EP group, there was no deterioration in MDA, SOD and CAT levels that was observed in the CDDP group. The increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha) levels caused by CDDP administration was observed to be significantly decreased in the CDDP + EP group. Conclusions: Hearing tests and biochemical results show that ethyl pyruvate is protective against cisplatin ototoxicity with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Automated summary

Ethyl pyruvate exerts protective effects against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity by improving hearing function, reducing oxidative stress, and decreasing inflammatory responses.