Ginsenoside Rc fromPanax ginsengAmeliorates Palmitate-induced UB/OC-2 Cochlear Cell Injury

Abstract

<b>Abstract ID 14554</b> <b>Poster Board 60</b> It is estimated that by 2050 nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss and at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation. Hearing loss can be classified into three groups: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) arises from the inability of the inner ear to convert fluid waves into neural electric signals because of injury to cochlear hair cells resulting in hair cell death. In addition, systemic chronic inflammation implicated in other pathologies may exacerbate cell death leading to SNHL. Phytochemicals have emerged as a possible solution because of the growing evidence of their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. Ginseng and its bioactive molecules, ginsenosides, exhibit effects that suppress pro-inflammatory signaling, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and protect against apoptosis. In the current study, we investigated the effects of ginsenoside Rc (G-Rc) on UB/OC-2 primary murine sensory hair cell survival and homeostasis in response to palmitate-induced injury. We demonstrated that at a human equivalent dose G-Rc promoted UB/OC-2 cell survival and cell cycle progression. Additionally, G-Rc enhanced the differentiation of UB/OC-2 cells into functional sensory hair cells. Importantly, G-Rc alleviated inflammation, oxidative stress, ER stress, and apoptosis induced by palmitate. The current study offers novel insights into the effects of G-Rc as a potential adjuvant for SNHL and warrants further studies elucidating the molecular mechanisms mediating the beneficial effects of G-Rc on cochlear hair cells.