NAC Protects Spiral Ganglion Cells from Noise-Induced Changes in Rats
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Protective Effects of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine on the Density of Spiral Ganglion Cells and Histological Changes Induced by Continuous Noise Exposure in Rats
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Raheleh Hashemi Habybabady, Seyed Bagher Mortazavi, Ali Khavanin, Ramazan Mirzaei, Mohammad Reza Arab, Behzad Mesbahzadeh, Mehran Hoseini, Mahdi Mohammadi
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Protective Effects of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine on the Density of Spiral Ganglion Cells and Histological Changes Induced by Continuous Noise Exposure in Rats
Year: 2018 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.5.5
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a prevalent issue worldwide, affecting approximately 10% of the population, and is primarily caused by oxidative damage in the inner ear. This damage leads to the loss of cochlear hair cells and subsequent degeneration of auditory neurons, significantly impairing hearing ability. The current research focuses on the protective effects of N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a thiol-containing amino acid, against these degenerative changes. Previous studies suggest that NAC may help reduce oxidative stress and protect the auditory system from noise exposure. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of NAC in preserving the density of spiral ganglion cells (SGCs) and mitigating histological changes resulting from continuous noise exposure in a rat model.
Protective Effects of N-acetyl-l-cysteine
The key finding of the study is that NAC administration significantly improves the survival of SGCs in the cochlea following ten days of noise exposure. Histological evaluations revealed a notable reduction in the density of SGCs in noise-exposed animals compared to those that received NAC. The results indicated that NAC treatment led to a statistically significant improvement in SGC density as well as a decrease in morphological changes in the cochlea, thus underscoring NAC's potential as a neuroprotective agent. This suggests that NAC not only alleviates oxidative damage but may also mitigate the excitotoxic effects associated with noise exposure, offering a viable therapeutic strategy for protecting against NIHL.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study illustrates the partial protective effect of NAC against noise-induced cochlear degeneration, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic intervention for preventing hearing loss associated with acoustic trauma. While NAC shows promise in combating oxidative stress and preserving auditory neuron integrity, further research is necessary to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and long-term efficacy. The findings encourage the exploration of NAC in conjunction with other antioxidants to enhance protective strategies for individuals at risk of NIHL.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the key findings regarding N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) in the study?
The study found that NAC offers partial protection against noise-induced hearing loss. It improves the density of spiral ganglion cells and reduces morphological changes in the cochlea due to continuous noise exposure.
What methods were used to assess the effects of NAC treatment?
Histological evaluations of the cochlea were done 21 days post-exposure, and the density of spiral ganglion cells was measured using specialized microscopic techniques throughout different cochlear turns.
How does noise exposure affect auditory neurons and hair cells?
Noise exposure causes loss of cochlear hair cells and damages bipolar primary auditory neurons, leading to structural and functional degeneration in the auditory system, ultimately resulting in permanent sensorineural hearing loss.
What implications does this research have for hearing loss prevention?
This research suggests that incorporating NAC treatment might be beneficial for protecting against auditory damage caused by noise. The findings indicate potential avenues for therapeutic interventions to mitigate noise-induced hearing loss.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “NAC Protects Spiral Ganglion Cells from Noise-Induced Changes in Rats”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Noise:
Noise refers to unwanted sound that can lead to hearing impairment or loss, particularly when exposure is excessive or prolonged. In the context of auditory studies, examining noise effects on health helps researchers understand mechanisms behind noise-induced hearing loss and potential interventions like antioxidants for protection against auditory damage.
2) Hair:
Hair cells are specialized sensory cells located in the cochlea responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals sent to the brain. Damage to hair cells can lead to permanent hearing loss. Research often focuses on how various conditions, including noise exposure, affect hair cell health and function.
3) Animal:
Animal models are frequently used in scientific research to study human diseases and conditions in a controlled environment. In this study, male Wistar rats served as subjects to evaluate the impacts of noise exposure and potential protective effects of N-acetyl-l-cysteine, allowing for insights that could translate into human applications.
4) Study (Studying):
A study is a systematic investigation designed to contribute to knowledge in a specific field. This particular research explored the histological changes and neuronal density in rats exposed to noise and treated with N-acetyl-l-cysteine, aiming to understand better how these factors relate to hearing loss mechanisms.
5) Sam (Sham):
The sham group in a study serves as a control, undergoing the same conditions without the treatment being tested. It allows researchers to compare outcomes against those receiving the treatment, providing a baseline to measure the effectiveness of interventions like N-acetyl-l-cysteine against noise exposure in hearing studies.
6) Table:
Table refers to a systematic arrangement of data or information within a study. In the context of this study, tables present comparative findings on spiral ganglion cell densities across different experimental groups, aiding readers in understanding results quantitatively and facilitating the analysis of treatment effects on hearing.
7) Drug:
Drugs, such as N-acetyl-l-cysteine, refer to bioactive substances used in medical applications to treat or protect against diseases. This study investigated the drug's effectiveness as a scavenger of oxidative species in preventing or mitigating hearing loss caused by noise exposure in animal models.
8) Disease:
Disease generally refers to a pathological condition resulting from an internal or external factor, which can lead to dysfunction. The research studies the implications of noise as a cause of sensorineural hearing loss, thus contributing to the understanding of noise-induced neural and cochlear damage in auditory health.
9) Post:
Post typically refers to the period following an event. In this study, post-noise treatment was administered to assess the recovery effects of NAC on hearing loss and cochlear structure after noise exposure, providing insights into the temporal dynamics of auditory recovery mechanisms and potential therapeutic windows.
10) Toxicity:
Toxicity describes the degree to which a substance can harm organisms. In the context of this study, the toxicity of noise on auditory structures and spiral ganglion neurons was examined, emphasizing the need for protective strategies, such as antioxidative agents, to mitigate the damaging effects of auditory stress.
11) Species:
Species refers to a group of organisms with common characteristics capable of interbreeding. In research, identifying the species under study, such as Wistar rats, is essential for understanding biological processes and translating findings to human health, especially concerning auditory functions and responses to noise exposure.
12) Water:
Water is vital for living organisms and is often critical in laboratory settings for the hydration and care of animal models. In this study, water was provided ad libitum to rats, ensuring their physiological needs were met while assessing the impact of noise and drug treatment on hearing.
13) Arrangement:
Arrangement refers to the organization or structuring of elements in a particular setup. In the study, the arrangement of various experimental groups and the protocol for their treatment assist researchers in isolating specific effects of interventions like NAC on cochlear health and neuronal preservation following noise exposure.
14) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. This research contributes to the field of auditory science by exploring the underlying mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss and the potentially protective role of chemical agents like N-acetyl-l-cysteine in auditory health.
15) Surface:
Surface refers to the outermost layer of a structure, such as the cochlea's hair cell membranes. The study examines changes in the structural integrity of these surfaces under stress from noise exposure, providing insights into how such conditions can affect cellular function and hearing capability.
16) Death:
Death, in the context of neuronal health, refers to the loss of cells or functionality. This study's focus on spiral ganglion cell death illustrates the consequences of prolonged noise exposure and highlights the importance of protective strategies to mitigate such adverse outcomes in hearing loss.
17) Male:
Male denotes the sex of the animals used in the study, specifically male Wistar rats. Gender can play a vital role in biological research, influencing factors such as hormonal differences and physiological responses. By standardizing on one sex, the study aims to reduce variability in results.
18) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relates to the study and application of drugs to treat health issues. The research on NAC investigates its pharmacological properties as an antioxidant, focusing on its ability to alleviate oxidative stress and offer potential therapeutic benefits against auditory damage induced by noise exposure.
19) Deafness:
Deafness refers to a complete or partial inability to hear, often arising from various causes, including noise exposure. The study aims to elucidate mechanisms behind noise-induced deafness, using animal models to explore interventions that could help prevent permanent hearing loss caused by such auditory trauma.
20) Account:
Account refers to a narrative or report of findings based on systematic observation and evidence. In scientific reporting, accounts detail methodologies and results, such as how NAC affects hearing loss in exposed animals. Clear accounts are crucial for replication and verification of research results.
21) Mishra (Misra):
Mishra likely refers to an author or contributor to the study. Acknowledging contributors allows for the attribution of scientific credit and recognition of individual roles within a research team. It's essential for academic integrity and providing context for the study's outcomes and methodologies.
22) Kaka:
Kaka may refer to another author involved in the research. Individual contributions to scientific studies play a crucial role in understanding the development of ideas and findings. Properly acknowledging each author upholds the standards of integrity and accountability in scientific research publication.
23) Cage:
Cage refers to the housing used for animals in laboratory settings. Properly designed cages ensure the welfare of the animals while allowing researchers to control environmental variables. In this study, cages facilitated the exposure of rats to specific noise levels while maintaining a controlled environment.
24) Life:
Life pertains to the biological processes and systems within living organisms. In studies of auditory health, understanding life's complexities helps researchers develop interventions aimed at preserving vital functions such as hearing in the face of environmental stressors, like noise exposure, that threaten cellular integrity.
25) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section of a research study where findings are interpreted and contextualized. It allows researchers to consider the implications of their results, compare them to existing literature, explore limitations, propose future work, and derive conclusions about the significance of their findings on auditory health.
26) Developing:
Developing refers to process of growth or advancement over time. In scientific studies, developing may indicate ongoing research toward understanding specific phenomena, like noise-induced hearing loss, contributing to a broader understanding of auditory health and potential preventive measures against hearing impairment.
27) Suffering:
Suffering refers to the experience of pain or distress. In the context of auditory research, it often encompasses the implications of hearing loss on individuals' quality of life. Understanding suffering associated with hearing impairment drives the quest for effective treatments and preventive measures.
28) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. In this study, insights on the protective roles of compounds like N-acetyl-l-cysteine against auditory damage have broader implications for medical practice, especially in developing treatment protocols for noise-induced hearing loss.
29) Swelling:
Swelling generally refers to an increase in size or volume, often related to inflammation or injury. In auditory research, swelling may indicate cellular damage or stress responses in cochlear structures, helping to understand the physiological impacts of noise exposure on auditory health and function.
30) Lighting:
Lighting refers to the illumination in the environment where the animals are housed. Proper lighting conditions are essential for maintaining animal welfare in research settings. In this study, controlled lighting ensured that experimental conditions were standardized across groups, promoting ethical treatment and reliable experimental outcomes.
31) Hanging:
Hanging can describe the position or orientation of structures within the cochlea, particularly in relation to membranes and cellular architecture. Understanding these arrangements is vital as they can influence sound processing and the overall mechanical function of the auditory system.
32) Repair:
Repair refers to the biological processes that restore structure and function after damage. In auditory research, exploring repair mechanisms can provide insights into how cells in the cochlea respond to injury from noise exposure and the efficacy of treatments that may promote recovery.
33) Nature:
Nature refers to the inherent qualities and characteristics of living organisms and their environments. In this study, recognizing the natural responses of cochlear cells to stressors such as noise highlights the importance of preserving auditory health and understanding the mechanisms of injury and recovery.
34) Glass:
Glass typically refers to materials used in laboratory settings for Petri dishes, slides, and other equipment. In histological examinations, glass slides are essential for preserving tissue samples and visualizing cellular structures, enabling detailed microscopic analysis necessary for understanding cochlear health and integrity.
35) Arrow:
Arrow can symbolize direction or indicate significant findings in graphical representations within research studies. In scientific illustrations, the use of arrows helps guide the viewer’s attention to notable features or results in histological findings or data presentations, enhancing clarity and understanding.
36) Rules:
Rules refer to established guidelines that govern scientific experiments and ethical practices. Following rules is crucial in research for maintaining the integrity of study design, data collection, and analysis while ensuring ethical treatment of animal subjects, which is key to valid, reproducible results.
37) Cina:
China may refer to the origin of certain products or materials used in research, such as the tethering devices for sound generation mentioned in this study. Recognizing products and their origins helps contextualize research findings and maintain transparency regarding research methods and materials used.
38) Food:
Food refers to nourishment provided to laboratory animals, ensuring their health and wellbeing during experiments. Proper diet is vital for the physiological integrity of animals in research studies, influencing their metabolic processes and ensuring the reliability of experimental results related to auditory health.
39) Wall:
Wall refers to cellular structures or physical borders within the cochlea that separate different components and compartments. Understanding the arrangement and integrity of these walls is essential in studying pathology, as they influence fluid dynamics and cellular interactions critical to cochlear function.
40) Line:
Line can symbolize continuity or categorization in data representation. In auditory research, lines might be used in graphs or charts to connect data points, creating a visual narrative of experimental findings, such as trends in spiral ganglion cell density related to treatment or noise exposure outcomes.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘NAC Protects Spiral Ganglion Cells from Noise-Induced Changes in Rats’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ro, Drug treatment, Hearing impairment, Statistical analysis, Inner ear, Experimental group, Oxidative stress, Reactive oxygen species, Ethics Committee approval, Lipid peroxidation, Histological examination, Oxidative damage, Apoptosis, Hearing loss, Antioxidant, Neuronal loss, Acute injury, Supporting cells, Glutathione production, Glutathione, Free Radical, Noise-induced Hearing loss, Animal Study, Antioxidant defence, Free radical scavenger, Oxygen free radicals, Morphological change, Reactive nitrogen species, Cochlear damage, Sensorineural hearing loss, Antioxidant drugs, Histological changes, Neurite Outgrowth, Sound level meter, Auditory system, Ototoxicity, Sensory neurons, Noise Exposure, Membrane, Sham group, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, Abstract background, Neurotrophic factor, NAC administration, Glutamate excitotoxicity.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.