Protective Effects of Betaine on the Cochlea in Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity

Ülger M., Balcıoğlu E.

Kulak Burun Boğaz ve Baş Boyun Cerrahisi, cilt.33, sa.2, ss.45-54, 2025 (TRDizin)

Özet

 ABS TRACT Objective: Cisplatin is a platinum-based compound used to treat various cancers; however, its severe side effects, such as oto toxicity, limit its clinical use. Ototoxicity can lead to permanent dam age, particularly affecting the organ of Corti. This study aimed to histopathologically evaluate the protective effect of betaine, known for its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties, against cisplatin-in duced ototoxicity. Material and Methods: Forty female Wistar albino rats were used with the approval of the Erciyes University Animal Ex periments Local Ethics Committee. The rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=10): Sham, Betaine, Cisplatin, and Cisplatin+Betaine. Be taine hydrochloride (250 mg/kg/day) was administered orally once daily for 30 days, while cisplatin (8 mg/kg/week) was administered in traperitoneally once weekly for 4 weeks. Cochlear tissues were col lected, fixed, and processed for histopathological evaluation. Results: Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity led to structural deformities in the cochlea, particularly in the organ of Corti at the basal turn. In the Cis platin+Betaine group, the organ of Corti exhibited a more preserved structure, with maintained integrity of the stria vascularis and tectorial membrane. Statistically, the Cisplatin group showed significantly re duced stria vascularis and basilar membrane thickness, tectorial mem brane length, and inner and outer hair height. In the Cisplatin+Betaine group, these parameters improved, with a significant increase observed in tectorial membrane length across all cochlear turns and outer hair cell height in the apical turn. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the protective role of betaine against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. While the findings are promising for ototoxicity prophylaxis, further studies are warranted.