Prevention of noise- and cisplatin-inducedhearing loss by oral administration of theflavonoid-enriched fraction AF4 in mice

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds which give fruits and vegetables their bright colours. Habitual
consumption of dietary flavonoids reduces the risk for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s
disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Pre-clinical studies performed using animal models for these
disorders have convincingly demonstrated that flavonoids not only halt the pathological processes
which cause neurodegeneration but also promote recovery after brain damage. These findings and the
fact that flavonoids can be consumed safely even in large amounts suggest they be useful treatments
for neurodegenerative disorders. With this in mind, we have isolated a flavonoid-enriched fraction
from the peel of Nova Scotia apple called AF4. Oral administration of AF4 reduces inflammation,
brain damage and motor deficits in mouse models for stroke and multiple sclerosis. The purpose of the
present application is to determine whether AF4 also reduces the inflammatory and degenerative
events responsible for noise- and cisplatin-induced hearing loss in mice. Hearing loss is a frequent
complication of cisplatin…TOBECONT’D…

Faculty Supervisor:

George Robertson

Student:

Partner:

Scotia Biosciences

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

University:

Dalhousie University

Program:

Accelerate