Telmisartan Protects Auditory Hair Cells from Gentamicin-Induced Toxicity in Vitro

Background: Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that has pleiotropic effects and protective properties in different cell types. Moreover, telmisartan has also shown partial agonism on the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ). Auditory hair cells (HCs) express PPAR-γ, and the protective role of PPAR-γ agonists on HCs has been shown. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of telmisartan on gentamicin-induced ototoxicity in vitro. Methods: Cochlear explants were exposed to gentamicin with or without telmisartan, and/or GW9662, an irreversible PPAR-γ antagonist. Results: Telmisartan protected auditory HCs against gentamicin-induced ototoxicity. GW9662 completely blocked this protective effect, suggesting that it was mediated by PPAR-γ signaling. Exposure to GW9662 or telmisartan alone was not toxic to auditory HCs. Conclusions: We found that telmisartan, via PPAR-γ signaling, protects auditory HCs from gentamicin-induced ototoxicity. Therefore, telmisartan could potentially be used in the future to prevent or treat sensorineural hearing loss.