Estradiol Protects Hair Cells From Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity Via Nrf2 Activation

The study investigated the protective effects of estradiol (E2) against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity, a side effect of chemotherapy causing hearing loss. Using the organ of Corti from C57BL/6 mice, it was exposed to 20 μM cisplatin with or without 100 nM E2. The results indicated that E2 significantly reduced cochlear hair cell death caused by cisplatin and increased the mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and phase II detoxification genes. This suggests that E2 activates Nrf2 and phase II detoxification enzymes, providing protection against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. The study implies that E2 could be a potential candidate for protecting hair cells against cisplatin.