Apigenin alleviates neomycin-induced oxidative damage via the Nrf2 signaling pathway in cochlear hair cells
ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai 200031, China;ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai 200031, China;ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai 200031, China;ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai 200031, China;ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai 200031, China
Received:2021-01-04
Accepted: 2021-12-16
Available online:2022-08-15
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss and represents a promising target for treatment. We tested the potential effect of apigenin, a natural flavonoid with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, on neomycin-induced ototoxicity in cochlear hair cells in vitro. Results showed that apigenin significantly ameliorated the loss of hair cells and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species upon neomycin injury. Further evidence suggested that the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway was activated by apigenin treatment. Disruption of the Nrf2 axis abolished the effects of apigenin on the alleviation of oxidative stress and subsequent apoptosis of hair cells. This study provided evidence of the protective effect of apigenin on cochlear hair cells and its underlying mechanism.