Melatonin Protects Cochlear Hair Cells from Nicotine-Induced Injury Through Inhibiting Apoptosis, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

The study explored the protective role of melatonin against nicotine-induced damage in cochlear hair cells. Nicotine was shown to cause cytotoxicity and increase apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in HEI-OC1 cochlear hair cells, particularly at concentrations of 10 µM and higher. Melatonin treatment significantly countered these effects, with 100 µM melatonin proving to be effective in increasing cell viability and reducing damage markers. The results indicate that melatonin has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for preventing hearing loss caused by smoking. However, the study was conducted in vitro and further research, including animal and clinical studies, is necessary to confirm these findings. The number of samples or participants was not specified in the summary provided.