Spirulina could reduce salicylate-induced tinnitus. - GreenMedInfo Summary

OBJECTIVES: The function ofγ-amino butyric acid receptor (GR) was related with tinnitus. But, the effects ofwater extract (SP) on the mRNA expression ofin mice with tinnitus were still unclear.

METHOD: Eighteen SAMP8 mice were divided into the control group (intraperitoneal injection of saline, once per day), the tinnitus group (intraperitoneal injection of salicylate, 300 mg/kg body weight once per day), and the spirulina group [intraperitoneal injection of salicylate, 300 mg/kg body weight and oral SP supplementation (1000 mg/kg body weight) once per day]. Effects of SP on the mRNA expression ofin the cochlea and brain of mice were studied for 4 days.

RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the tinnitus group had significantly higher tinnitus scores and lower mRNA expression ofgene in the cochlear, brainstem, hippocampus and parahippocampus, temporal lobes, and the frontal lobes. On the other hand, the spirulina group had significantly lower tinnitus scores and highergene expression than the tinnitus group in all tested areas.

CONCLUSION: SP could reduce salicylate-induced tinnitus possiblyincreasing the salicylate-induced down-regulation ofgene expression.