Otoprotective effect of farnesene against paclitaxel-induced oxidative damage

Purpose: This study explores the biochemical and functional effects of famesene, which has potent free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties, on paclitaxel-induced ototoxicity. Materials and Methods: Eighteen male Wistar albino rats were allocated into three groups of six rats at random. No paclitaxel or famesene was given to the control group throughout the research. Paclitaxel was given four times intraperitoneally at a dose of 5 mg/kg (1st, 7th, 14th & 21st days) in the paclitaxel group. In the Famesene + Paclitaxel group, 5 mg/kg paclitaxel was given first, followed by 4 times 50 mg/kg famesene intraperitoneally 30 minutes later (1st, 7th, 14th & 21st days). Otoacoustic emission measurement was taken on days 0 and 21 in all rats. After that, the animals were sacrificed, and their cochleas were extracted for biochemical testing. Results: Paclitaxel caused oxidative stress in the cochlea, which considerably elevated malondialdehyde levels and lowered glutathione levels in cochlear tissues. Furthermore, the paclitaxel group's distortion product otoacoustic emission values were significantly lower than the other groups. Improvements in the damage produced by paclitaxel in various biochemical and functional parameters were observed in the Famesene+Paclitaxel group. Conclusion: The study findings imply that famesene, a natural antioxidant, reduced paclitaxel-induced hearing loss in rats, and a combination of famesene and paclitaxel therapy may have protected from paclitaxel-induced ototoxicity for future clinical use.