Protective effects of vitamins E, B and C and L-carnitine in the prevention of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats.

Objective: This experimental study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamins E, B and C and L-carnitine in preventing cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

Methods: Twenty-five adult, male, Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated to receive intraperitoneal cisplatin either alone or preceded by vitamins B, E or C or L-carnitine. Auditory brainstem response (i.e. hearing thresholds and wave I-IV intervals) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (i.e. signal-to-noise ratios) were recorded before and 72 hours after cisplatin administration.

Results: The following statistically significant differences were seen: control group pre- vs post-treatment wave I-IV interval values (p < 0.05); control vs vitamin E and B groups' I-IV interval values (p < 0.05); control vs other groups' hearing thresholds; vitamin E vs vitamin B and C and L-carnitine groups' hearing thresholds (p < 0.05); and vitamin B vs vitamin C and L-carnitine groups' hearing thresholds (p < 0.05). Statistically significant decreases were seen when comparing the initial and final signal-to-noise ratios in the control, vitamin B and L-carnitine groups (2000 and 3000 Hz; p < 0.01), and the initial and final signal-to-noise ratios in the control group (at 4000 Hz; p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Vitamins B, E and C and L-carnitine appear to reduce cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats. The use of such additional treatments to decrease cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in humans is still under discussion.