J Int Adv Otol. 2025 Dec 26;21(6):1-9. doi: 10.5152/iao.2025.252110.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The study aims to demonstrate the possible protective effects of carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-3 (CORM-3) on the auditory system after noise exposure through electrophysiological measurements and histopathological methods.
METHODS: Twenty-four albino Wistar male rats were included in the study. They were equally divided into 3 groups. The control group was administered intraperitoneal physiological saline for 7 days. Eight rats in the second group were exposed to 4 kHz octave band noise at 120 dB SPL intensity for 4 hours, and then intraperitoneal saline was administered for 7 days. Group 3, after exposure to noise with the same characteristics, was administered 10 mg/kg of CORM-3 intraperitoneally for 7 days. Hearing levels were measured at baseline, on the first, and seventh days with distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and auditory evoked brainstem potentials at 4, 6, and 8 kHz. After the measurements, the cochlear structures of all rats were dissected, and the cochlear structures were evaluated by light microscopy.
RESULTS: Auditory evoked brainstem potential test results showed that the CORM-3 group had better hearing thresholds at all frequencies than the other group exposed to noise. These findings were statistically significant (P < .05). The DPOAE responses disappeared after acoustic trauma. Histopathological evaluation showed cellular damage caused by noise in the cochlea.
CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that CORM-3 may be an effective protective and therapeutic agent against noise-induced hearing loss. However, additional research is needed to prove this protective effect.
PMID:42378550 | DOI:10.5152/iao.2025.252110
