Murat Erinc

To evaluate the potential ototoxic effects of lactoferrin on the inner ear using electrophysiological and histological methods. Methods: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats (64 ears) were divided into four groups: control, saline, antiseptic solution (70% isopropyl alcohol + 2% chlorhexidine), and lactoferrin. Groups II–IV received three intratympanic injections. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests were performed at baseline, day 7, and day 21. Cochlear histology and VEGF immunoreactivity were assessed. Results: Baseline hearing was similar across groups. Post-treatment, Groups II and IV showed partial recovery at 8, 16, and 24 kHz, while Groups III and IV had worsening thresholds at higher frequencies. Histologically, Group IV’s cochlear structures remained largely intact. VEGF immunoreactivity was severe to moderate in Groups I, II, and IV, and weaker in Group III. Conclusions: Lactoferrin showed relative safety at lower frequencies but possible ototoxicity at higher frequencies. However, no significant structural damage was observed in cochlear tissues.

Hypothesis: To clarify the ototoxic effects of Castellani solution by using histopathologic and audiological evaluations together, as contradictory results have been presented in the literature. Background: Castellani’s solution is effective in treating disorders of the external auditory canal, particularly fungal infections. However, in cases of perforation of the eardrum, it can pass into the middle ear and affect the cochlea or vestibular system adversely. Methods: Animals were divided into 4 groups: A: control; B: distilled water; C: Castellani’s solution; and D: a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 2% chlorhexidine. After the baseline hearing thresholds were recorded using auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) at 8, 16, 24, and 32 kHz, 0.03 mL of the respective substances were injected intratympanically 3 times at 2-day intervals in groups B, C, and D. Group A underwent tympanic membrane perforation using a syringe. ABRs were repeated on days 7 and 21. All animals were then sacrificed and their temporal bones were prepared for a histologic examination of the cochlea. Results: ABRs conducted on days 7 and 21 after the intratympanic intervention revealed total hearing loss in groups C and D, whose hearing levels were significantly lower than those of group A. Histopathologic evaluation revealed cytoplasmic vacuolization and severe atrophy of marginal, basal, and intermediate cells in groups C and D, as well as loss and degeneration of outer hair cells and supporting cells. Conclusion: Due to its potential ototoxic effects and risk of passing into the middle ear, Castellani’s solution should be used with extreme caution in cases of tympanic membrane perforation.

Background: Endoscopes play an important role in otologic surgery. Baby shampoos, known for their hypoallergenic, anti-irritant, and antifogging properties, are increasingly being used. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and ototoxic effects of baby shampoo in ananimal model using both electrophysiological and histological methods. Methods: Twenty-eight male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: 7 control (group 1), 7 saline (group 2), 7 isopropyl alcohol(70%)+chlorhexidine (2%) antiseptic (group 3), and 7 baby shampoo (group 4). Baseline hearing was assessed by auditory brainstem response(ABR). All groups except the control received 3 doses of their respective substances by intratympanic injection. Auditory brainstem responsemeasurements were performed on day 7 and day 21, after which the temporal bones were dissected. Histological evaluation of the cochlea andvascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunoreactivity studies were performed. Results: Baseline hearing thresholds were similar and within normal limits. On days 7 and 21, hearing thresholds were significantly impairedat all frequencies in the experimental groups. In particular, groups 3 and 4 had higher thresholds than the other groups. Baby shampoo causedsignificant damage to outer hair cells and sustentacular cells and decreased VEGF immunoreactivity in the stria vascularis, spiral ligament, andorgan of Corti.Conclusion: Baby shampoo was found to progressively impair hearing over time, indicating its potential to cause long-term ototoxicity.Cite this article as: Mutlu A, Bakici B, Yasemin Gunduz A, et al. Progressive ototoxicity of baby shampoo as an antifog agent: an experimentalstudy. J Int Adv Otol. 2025, 21(2), 1526, doi: 10.5152/iao.2025.241526.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) against cis-diamminedichloroplatinum or cisplatin (CDDP)-induced ototoxicity. MATERIALS and METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 were given a total of 15 mg/kg CDDP intraperitoneally, which was divided equally into three doses on days 1, 3, and 5. Group 2 was treated via gavage feeding with 15 ml NSO that was divided into five doses on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. Groups 3 and 4 received only 15 ml of NSO and 15 ml of 0.9% saline solution, respectively, which were orally administered and divided into five doses on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. Baseline high-frequency (8, 12, 16, and 32 kHz) auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurements were collected in all the groups before the medical administrations and were repeated on the 14th day before sacrifice. Afterward, a histopathological evaluation of the cochlea was performed. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the histopathological changes between group 1 and the other groups (p<0.01). Changes in the spiral ganglion cells, the stria vascularis, and the external ciliated cells were significantly different between groups 1 and 2 (p=0.019, 0.039, and 0.045, respectively). The ABR results revealed significant differences in the 16 and 32 kHz measurements between groups 1 and 2 (p=0.013 and p<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: According to the results, NSO may have a protective effect on cochlear function against the disruptive effects of CDDP in rats. Cite this article as: Kökten N, Eğilmez OK, Erinç M, Doğan Ekici AI, Şerifler S, Yeşilada E, et al. The Protective Effect of Nigella sativa Oil against Experimentally Induced Cisplatin Ototoxicity: An Animal Study. J Int Adv Otol 2020; 16(3): 346-52.

The aim of this study is to adapt Khalfa Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ) into Turkish for the use in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with hyperacusis. HQ and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered to a total of 529 participants (320 female, 209 male), aged 18 to 73 (mean age: 29.76±10.59) years who were randomly selected from the general population. For the evaluation of the data, confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis, correlation analysis, descriptive statistics, t-test, analysis of variance, and Sidak correction test were used. In the reliability analysis, the Cronbach’s alpha (aC) internal consistency coefficient was found to be 0.81. Factor analysis revealed three subdimensions (attentional, social, and emotional). The total variance of these three subdimensions were 63%, and the internal consistency of the subdimensions was also high (αC >0.70). Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling results indicated that three-factor solutions with 14 items met the criteria for the adequacy of fit among the Turkish patients. The mean score for hyperacusis was estimated as 15.69±6.63 points.There was a positive, weak, but significant association between hyperacusis and anxiety (r=0.357, p=0.01, p<0.05). The patients who were exposed to noise were found to have higher levels of hyperacusis, compared to those who were not (t=6.78, p=0.01, p<0.05). The patients who had decreased noise tolerance over time were found to be higher hyperacusis levels than those without (t=4.83, p=0.01, p<0.05). Based on these measurements, 14 questions and three-factor solutions were found to be a valid and reliable tool.