Capsaicin Modulates
DNA
Damage Related Gene Expressions in Cisplatin‐Induced Ototoxicity
Yavuz Kerem Altun, Yüksel Olgun, Ayça Pamukoğlu Kaynar, Safiye Aktaş, Zekiye Altun ABSTRACT
Objectives
Cisplatin (CDDP) is a potent anticancer agent with significant side effects, including ototoxicity. Capsaicin (CAPS), the active compound in chili peppers, has shown protective effects against CDDP‐induced toxicities. This study aimed to investigate the role of capsaicin in CDDP‐induced ototoxicity via DNA damage and apoptotic cell death pathways in House Ear Institute Organ of Corti 1 (HEI‐OC1) cells and to evaluate its effects on neuroblastoma (KELLY) cells under the same conditions.
Methods
HEI‐OC1 and KELLY neuroblastoma cells were treated with CDDP (100 μM), CAPS (5 μM), and CAPS+CDDP combinations for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed using the WST‐1 assay, and apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry. DNA damage‐related gene expressions were analyzed in HEI‐OC1 cells using a real‐time PCR array. CAPS alone did not alter the viability of HEI‐OC1 or KELLY cells. CDDP significantly reduced the viability of both.
Results
CAPS + CDDP combination significantly decreased KELLY cell viability, while only slightly affecting HEI‐OC1 cells. Both CDDP alone and CAPS + CDDP induced similar levels of apoptosis in HEI‐OC1 cells. In KELLY cells, the combination induced greater apoptosis than CDDP alone. CDDP treatment upregulated DNA damage‐related genes and downregulated DNA repair genes in HEI‐OC1 cells. CAPS + CDDP treatment altered expression profiles, suggesting a role in DNA repair modulation.
Conclusion
Capsaicin may serve as a moderate protective agent against cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity without compromising cisplatin's cytotoxic effects on neuroblastoma cells. Changes in DNA repair‐related gene expression support capsaicin's involvement in modulating the cellular response to cisplatin.