Is Gentamicin-Induced Ototoxicity Reversible with Delayed Administration of Nigella Sativa Oil? An Experimental Study

Authors : Bilge Tuna, Gökhan Tüzemen

Pages : 37-41

Doi:10.26650/Tr-ENT.2024.1426956

View : 16 | Download : 34

Publication Date : 2024-06-10

Article Type : Research

Abstract :Objective: Gentamicin (GM) is a potent antibiotic but is known to cause irreversible ototoxic effects. Nigella sativa oil (NSO) can offer protective prophylaxis against ototoxicity when administered prior to GM treatment. This study aims to assess the impact of delayed NSO administration on GM-induced ototoxicity using the auditory brainstem response (ABR) test. Material and Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups, each consisting of six animals. All groups received intraperitoneal (i.p.) GM (120 mg/kg i.p.) for a duration of 10 days. The first two groups were given 0.3 ml/kg/day NSO for five days, while the third group received 0.9% saline for the same duration. Group 1 involves the early administration of NSO (NSOE) 10 days after starting GM, Group 2 involves the late administration of NSO (NSOL) 25 days after starting GM, and Group 3 is the saline (control) group. Hearing thresholds were recorded for both ears prior to treatment initiation and again 30 days after the start of treatment. Results: Two rats expired and were excluded from the study. A total of 64 ABR test results were obtained. No difference was found between the pre- and post-treatment ABR values in Groups 1 and 2. However, a significant increase in ABR thresholds was observed only in Group 3. A significant difference was found in post-treatment hearing thresholds (p<0.001) between Group 3 and the other two groups. Conclusion: The results suggest the delayed administration of NSO within a period of 30 days, whether earlier or later, to be able to effectively reverse the GM-induced ototoxic effects.
Keywords : Gentamicin, nigella sativa oil, ototoxicity, auditory brainstem response test