Effect of water-soluble coenzyme Q10 on noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that coenzyme Q10 reduces cochlear oxidative stress induced by acoustic overstimulation.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effects of coenzyme Q10 on noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Animals received water-soluble coenzyme Q10 intraperitoneally 2 h before noise exposure. Seven days after noise exposure (130 dB sound pressure level for 3 h), the auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold shift and cochlear hair cell damage were assessed.

RESULTS

We observed that the ABR threshold shift was significantly less in the coenzyme Q10 group than in the vehicle control group. In addition, the percentage of missing outer hair cells was lower in the coenzyme Q10 group than in the control group. Moreover, 2 days after administration of coenzyme Q10, increased antioxidative activity in the cochlea, as measured by analysis of hydroxy radical scavenging activity by electron spin resonance was observed.