Examination of ototoxicity induced by imatinib which is A tyrosine kinase inhibitor: Experimental study

The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not imatinib has any ototoxic effects on rats, via ABR responses. 24 Wister albino rats were divided into three groups as Group C (0.25 mL/kg/day; n=8) receiving distilled water, group I-30 receiving Imatinib mesylate that was dissolved in distilled water (30 mg/kg/day; n=8) and group I-50 (50 mg/kg/day; n=8). In the ABR record, hearing threshold values, latency, amplitude and interpeak latency values on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 were recorded and asssessed. Wave-V was observed at 10 dB for 4, 6, and 8 kHz frequencies. In the assessment made in terms of mean V wave latency within the group, a difference was determined at all stimulus intensities at 8 kHz in Group I-50 (p<0.05). In the within-group assessment performed in terms of mean wave III latency, there were differences in group I-30 (4kHz -50, 70 dB, and 6kHz- 50 dB) and I-50 (4kHz -50, 70 dB, and 8kHz- 50 , 70 dB) (p<0.05). In the within-group assessment performed in terms of I-III interpeak latency mean values, there was a difference at 4 kHz and 70 dB in Group I-30 (p<0.05). In the within-group assessment in terms of mean III-V interpeak latency values, the difference between the groups was significant on the 7th day at 6 kHZ and 50 dB (p= 0.044) and on the 14th day at 8 kHz and 70 dB (p=0.036). In the within-group assessment in terms of wave I amplitude mean values, the change in the amplitude values at 4 kHz (p=0.003) and 6 kHz (p=0.018) in group I-50 was significant. It was observed that imatinib application caused elongation in latency and interpeak latency values and changes in amplitude values. These differences were not enough to state that imatinib is having ototoxic side effect. Thus, in order to obtain an exact result about the ototoxic effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors; further studies are needed.