Natural therapies to protect against hearing loss from certain antibiotics
Natural-based therapies for sensory disorders
This study is looking at a natural compound called piperlongumine to see if it can help protect against hearing loss caused by certain antibiotics, and it's using zebrafish to find the best versions of this compound that might help people who are at risk of losing their hearing from these medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Creighton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11130302 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of natural compounds, specifically piperlongumine, to prevent hearing loss caused by aminoglycoside antibiotics. The approach involves high-throughput screening of bioactive natural compounds using zebrafish models to identify potential protective agents. The study aims to develop and test derivatives of piperlongumine that can better interact with specific receptors in the inner ear, potentially offering a new treatment option for patients at risk of antibiotic-induced hearing loss.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are undergoing treatment with aminoglycoside antibiotics and are at risk of hearing loss.
Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving aminoglycoside antibiotics or who have pre-existing hearing loss unrelated to these medications may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that protect patients from permanent hearing loss associated with aminoglycoside antibiotic treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise with similar natural compound approaches, but this specific application of piperlongumine is novel.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- Creighton University — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zallocchi, Marisa L. — Creighton University
- Study coordinator: Zallocchi, Marisa L.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.