Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
Exploring the Effects of Naringenin on Cell Functioning and Energy Synthesis in the Hippocampus of Male Wistar Rats With Chronic Tinnitus, by Examining Genetic Indicators Such As Bax, Bcl-2, Tfam, and Pgc-1Α Publisher Pubmed



Safavinaeini SM1 ; Nasehi M2 ; Zarrindast MR3 ; Safavinaeini SA4
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Department of ENT, Taleghani Hospital, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Tehran, Iran

Source: Gene Published:2025


Abstract

Background: The pivotal factors, including neural plasticity, oxidative stress, neuronal inflammation, and apoptosis, play a significant role in the pathogenesis of tinnitus. The balance between Bax/Bcl-2 genes is an important factor in determining the rate of apoptosis. Pgc-1α and Tfam genes are fundamental regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis. Naringenin possesses significant antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antiviral properties, and its compounds are effective on cell signaling pathways. Aims: In light of the aforementioned information, we endeavored to evaluate the impact of naringenin on the expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Pgc-1α, and Tfam genes in the hippocampus of male Wistar rats with chronic tinnitus. Material and Methods: To demonstrate the existence of tinnitus, all rats were instructed to complete an “active avoidance test” utilizing a conditioning box. The expression levels of genes mentioned above were assessed using real-time PCR. Results: The sodium salicylate at a dosage of 350 mg/kg showed an upregulation in the expression level of Bax and a downregulation in the expression level of the Bcl-2 gene (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the sodium salicylate displayed significantly higher expression levels of Tfam and Pgc-1α (p < 0.001) genes. The naringenin, at a dose of 100 mg/kg, led to a decrease in Bax gene expression (p < 0.05) and an increase in Bcl-2 gene expression (p < 0.05). On the other hand, naringenin restored the expression level of both Tfam (p < 0.001) and Pgc-1α (p < 0.01) genes. Conclusions: Our research findings demonstrate that sodium salicylate-induced tinnitus leads to enhanced apoptosis and mitochondrial biogenesis within the hippocampus. Additionally, our evidence recommends that naringenin can reduce apoptosis effectively and maintain a balanced mitochondrial state. © 2024