Research Highlights
Prolonged Dexamethasone Delivery Using VitroGel® for Protection Against Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity
VitroGel® significantly enhanced the delivery of dexamethasone to the inner ear, providing controlled release and improved protection against cisplatin-induced hearing loss.
Institution:
“Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Team:
Maximilian G. Dindelegan, Cristina M. Blebea, Maria Perde-Schrepler, Violeta Necula, Alma A. Maniu, Violeta Pascalau, Catalin Popa, Sergiu Susman, Luciana M. Gherman, Anca D. Buzoianu.
Category:
Organoids
Subcategory/cell type:
Therapy-Drug Delivery. HEI-OC1, mouse inner ear
Hydrogel:
VitroGel® RGD (Cat. No: TWG003)
VitroGel® played a crucial role in the study by enhancing the local delivery of dexamethasone (Dexa) to the inner ear. It facilitated a controlled and prolonged release of the drug over six days, which is essential for maintaining therapeutic levels and maximizing protective effects against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. By protecting the dexamethasone-loaded microparticles from degradation, VitroGel® ensured effective drug delivery while preventing rapid clearance from the middle ear.
The formulation also demonstrated improved cell viability in vitro, indicating a more effective protective effect against cisplatin toxicity compared to free dexamethasone or the microparticles alone. In vivo results showed that rats treated with VitroGel®-Lmp/Dexa experienced significantly lower auditory threshold shifts across multiple frequencies, highlighting the hydrogel’s effectiveness in preserving hearing during cisplatin treatment. Additionally, histological examinations revealed that ears treated with VitroGel®-Lmp/Dexa maintained better structural integrity and exhibited reduced signs of apoptosis, suggesting less cellular damage.
Overall, VitroGel® proved to be instrumental in enhancing the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone delivery to the inner ear, offering a promising strategy for protecting against drug-induced hearing loss.
