Protective role of CORM-3 (Carbon Monoxide Releasing Molecule-3) in cisplatin ototoxicity

Introduction: Cisplatin is a powerful agent widely used in the treatment of cancer diseases. Ototoxicity is an important side effect of cisplatin use. This is primarily associated with loss of inner ear hairy and spiral ganglion cells due to oxidative stress. Hearing loss associated with cisplatin use is sensorineural, bilateral, progressive and usually irreversible. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the protective role of CORM-3 (Carbon Monoxide Releasing Molecule-3), known to reduce oxidative stress, on cisplatin ototoxicity. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight albino wistar male rats with normal hearing were divided equally into 4 groups. In the cisplatin group, 7 rats received a single dose of 16 mg/kg cisplatin intraperitoneally on the 5th day of the study. In the cisplatin + CORM-3 group, 7 rats were administered 10 mg/kg CORM-3 intraperitoneally every day for 8 days and 16 mg/kg cisplatin single dose intraperitoneally on the 5th day of the study. In the CORM-3 group, 7 rats were administered 10 mg/kg CORM-3 intraperitoneally for 8 days. In the control group, 7 rats were administered saline intraperitoneally for 8 days. Electrophysiological tests (Auditory evoked brainstem potentials and Otoacoustic emissions) were performed on the 1st day of the study. In the group treated with cisplatin and CORM-3 combination, CORM-3 administration started 5 days before cisplatin administration. The tests were repeated with day 8 measurements 3 days after cisplatin administration. Results: Auditory evoked brainstem potentials and otoacoustic emission test results showed better hearing thresholds at all frequencies in the cisplatin+CORM-3 group compared to the cisplatin group. However, these findings were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: According to the data obtained, CORM-3 may be an effective antioxidant that can be used as a protective agent in cisplatin ototoxicity. However, additional studies are needed to prove this protective effect. Keywords: Antioxidant, Carbon Monoxide Releasing Molecule3, Ototoxicity, Rat, Cisplatin, CORM-3