The Role of Curcuminoid in Preventing and Repairing Damage to the Organ of Corti in Rattus norvegicus Diabetes Mellitus Model as Assessed by DPOAE Examination with Plasma Levels of HIF-1α and VEGF-A

Abstract

Introduction  Cells in diabetes mellitus (DM) respond to low oxygen by increasing hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), which impacts vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Although curcuminoids show therapeutic promise, no validated options are available to repair organ of Corti damage caused by DM.

Objective  The present study aims to evaluate the effects of curcuminoid administration on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and plasma levels of HIF-1α and VEGF-A in a DM model using Rattus norvegicus.

Methods  An in vivo experimental design was employed with a double-blind control set up. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: group 1 (DM without curcuminoids), groups 2 and 3 (DM with curcuminoids at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight for 10 days), and groups 4 and 5 (DM with curcuminoids at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight for 13 days). Diabetes mellitus was induced through an intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight). Distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) tests were performed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure plasma levels of HIF-1α and VEGF-A.

Results  Significant differences were observed in SNR values, HIF-1α, and VEGF-A (p < 0.05). A significant correlation was found between SNR and HIF-1α (r = −0.553; p = 0.004) and VEGF-A (r = −0.564; p = 0.003), indicating that lower levels of these factors were associated with higher SNR.

Conclusion  Curcuminoids can prevent and treat outer hair cell damage in the organ of Corti due to DM, as shown by improvements in plasma HIF-1α, VEGF-A levels, and SNR values.

Keywords
curcuminoid; HIF-1α; otoacoustic emission; SNR; VEGF-A

Introduction

The International Diabetes Federation estimates that the number of adults with diabetes will reach 784 million by 2045.¹ Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with several macrovascular and microvascular complications, including increase in thickness of the basal membrane of the capillaries in the stria vascularis of the cochlear lateral wall, which can lead to hearing impairment.² A meta-analysis found that the incidence of hearing impairment is elevated in subjects with type 1 and type 2 diabetes compared with the general population without diabetes, with a combined odds ratio (OR) of 2.15 (95%CI: 1.72–2.68).³,⁴

A well-established relationship exists between DM and hearing impairment. Distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) testing has revealed subclinical changes in cochlear function among patients with DM.⁵ Similarly, otoacoustic emissions (OAE), which reflect the condition of inner ear hair cells, have been found to be significantly lower in diabetic patients.⁶ Hearing loss and cochlear histopathological changes occur due to thickening of blood vessel walls in the modiolus and capillary narrowing in the stria vascularis, leading to reduced blood flow to the inner ear.⁷ This vascular compromise results in the loss of hair cells within the cochlear organ of Corti.⁸ The outer hair cells of the organ of Corti are particularly vulnerable to damage in DM because they lack the ability to regenerate spontaneously after injury.⁶,⁹ Hair cells in the organ of Corti serve as auditory sensors, converting mechanical energy into electrochemical signals.⁶ The outer hair cells specifically function to amplify sound and regulate the cochlea's sensitivity to different frequencies.¹⁰ Macrovascular and microvascular dysfunction, which leads to reduced blood flow, altered oxygen exchange, and impaired ion transport, is a direct complication of DM that significantly impacts cochlear hair cell.¹¹ Histological studies in diabetic animal models have confirmed outer hair cell loss, thickening of blood vessel walls in the modiolus and stria vascularis, and reduced cochlear blood flow.¹²

Upregulated hypoxia inducible factor- α (HIF-1α) in DM has been identified as a contributing factor to cochlear damage, leading to hearing impairment. In DM, chronic hypoxia induced by metabolic disturbances can trigger increased expression of HIF-1α, which in turn activates inflammatory responses and oxidative stress within the cochlea.¹³,¹⁴ One of the key consequences of HIF-1α upregulation is the dysregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), which plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and in the maintenance of vascular function in the cochlea.¹⁵ In DM, VEGF-A dysregulation can lead to increased vascular permeability, reduced blood flow, and impaired nutrient and oxygen delivery to the cochlea, potentially exacerbating hearing impairment in diabetic patients.¹⁶,¹⁷ Targeting HIF-1α and VEGF-A may serve as a promising therapeutic approach to mitigate vascular damage, preserve cochlear function, and prevent or slow the progression of diabetes-related hearing impairment.

In the present study, we used DPOAE because it is an objective, noninvasive, and more sensitive method for assessing early or subclinical cochlear damage.¹⁸ Rats are commonly used and valuable for hearing research.¹⁹ Additionally, diabetic rat models are highly useful for advancing our understanding of diabetes and its complications, as well as for developing novel treatments for this disease,²⁰ including the hearing impairment we aim to research.

Curcuminoids, which consist of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin,²¹ possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.²² The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified curcumin as safe for human consumption.²³ The therapeutic value of curcuminoids is limited by their instability, low water solubility, and poor bioavailability, particularly at high doses.²⁴ Curcumin administration at 200 to 400 mg/kg body weight (BW) remains within the safe and tolerable range. Previous studies have demonstrated that a dose of 8,000 mg/day is safe and well tolerated.²⁵ Additionally, curcuminoid toxicity is not significant.²⁶,²⁷ Administration of up to 12 grams of curcumin per day has not been associated with adverse effects.²⁸ Oral curcumin at doses up to 400 mg/kg BW has been found to reduce extracellular matrix production and angiogenic factors in hepatic stellate cells.²⁹ Furthermore, a 500 mg dose of curcuminoids has been utilized as a therapeutic compound for treating hearing impairment in individuals with chronic kidney disease.³⁰ Curcumin has also demonstrated safety and efficacy in preventing and mitigating fibroblast damage in the cochlea via cell death pathways.³¹ Therefore, we aim to analyze the effects of curcuminoid administration in preventing or repairing damage to the cochlear organ of Corti by examining differences in the mean signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values, as well as plasma levels of HIF-1α and VEGF, in Rattus norvegicus diabetic model rats.

The present study is expected to explore the potential of curcuminoids in preventing or mitigating cochlear damage caused by DM by assessing their effects on SNR, HIF-1α, and VEGF. Additionally, it aims to deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which curcuminoids regulate inflammatory pathways that support auditory function. The present research has the potential to contribute to the development of curcuminoid-based therapies for DM-related hearing impairment and to advance more effective and safer treatment strategies.

Methods

Chemicals

The chemicals used in the present study include: Alloxan (alloxan monohydrate, PubChem ID: 57653881, Sigma-Aldrich), Rat HIF-1α enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Elabscience), Rat VEGF-A ELISA kit (Sigma-Aldrich), and the anesthetic ketamine (Hameln Pharmaceuticals GmbH).

Animals

The present study utilized male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), aged 3 months old (adults), with weights ranging from 200 to 250 grams. The animals were housed in a standardized laboratory equipped with complete facilities and experienced personnel. The maintenance and DPOAE testing of the rats were conducted at the Animal Laboratory, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia. The rats were kept in a setting with a temperature of 22 ± 1 °C and controlled humidity. The lighting system was adjusted to a 12-hour light-dark cycle. Throughout the study, all groups had ad libitum access to identical food and water. The diet was specifically formulated to meet the basic nutritional needs of experimental rats and was consistently applied across all groups. This approach ensured that any observed differences between groups were solely due to the experimental treatment rather than to variations in food or water intake.

In the present study, all experimental animals were ensured to be free from disease and physical injury before use. The health of the rats was routinely monitored throughout the experiment through daily physical examinations, including observations of clinical signs such as appetite, dehydration, activity levels, weight loss, and mortality. Each animal was also examined to confirm the absence of physical injuries or conditions that could affect the experimental outcomes. If any signs of health abnormalities were detected, appropriate actions, such as the removal of the animal from the experiment, were taken in accordance with ethical guidelines. This strict health monitoring was implemented to ensure that the study results were not influenced by uncontrolled health factors.

Induction of Diabetes

After fasting, diabetes was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg BW alloxan monohydrate.³² Alloxan was stored at 2 to 8 °C. Injection was completed within 30 seconds. Blood samples were collected from the tail of the rats to measure glycemia. Rats with blood glucose levels > 200 mg/dL within 48 hours after induction were confirmed to have diabetes.³³

Body Weight and Glycemia Investigations

The body weight and blood glucose levels of the rats were evaluated each morning. Blood samples were obtained from the tail, and glucose levels were assessed utilizing an Autocheck glucometer. (MDSS GmbH).

Experimental Protocol

Daily examinations were conducted to assess clinical signs such as weight loss, dehydration, and toxicity. The rats were assigned randomly to five groups, with each group containing five rats. The rats were housed in cages according to their treatment group. After allowing the rats to acclimate to the laboratory environment for 14 days, treatments were administered as follows:

Group 1 (G1, n = 5): The rats received a single alloxan injection at 150 mg/kg BW. Distortion product otoacoustic emission assessments to evaluate SNR were performed before alloxan induction, on the 1st day of diabetes (when diabetes was confirmed), and subsequently on the 4th, 7th, 10th, and 13th days of DM. This group did not receive curcuminoid.

Group 2 (G2, n = 5): The rats received a single alloxan injection at 150 mg/kg BW and were given curcuminoid at 200 mg/kg BW/day. Curcuminoid administration began 72 hours after the diagnosis of diabetes (treatment group 1). Distortion product otoacoustic emission assessments were conducted before alloxan induction, on the 1st day of diabetes, and on the 4th, 7th, 10th, and 13th days of DM.

Group 3 (G3, n = 5): The rats received a single alloxan injection at 150 mg/kg BW and were given curcuminoid at 400 mg/kg BW/day. Curcuminoid administration began 72 hours after the diagnosis of diabetes (treatment group 2). Distortion product otoacoustic emission assessments were conducted before alloxan induction, on the 1st day of diabetes, and on the 4th, 7th, 10th, and 13th days of DM.

Group 4 (G4, n = 5): The rats received a single alloxan injection at 150 mg/kg BW and were given curcuminoid at 200 mg/kg BW/day starting from the diagnosis of diabetes (prevention group 1). Distortion product otoacoustic emission assessments were conducted before alloxan induction, on the 1st day of diabetes, and on the 4th, 7th, 10th, and 13th days of DM.

Group 5 (G5, n = 5): The rats received a single alloxan injection at 150 mg/kg BW and were given curcuminoid at 400 mg/kg BW/day starting from the diagnosis of diabetes (prevention group 2). Distortion product otoacoustic emission assessments were conducted before alloxan induction, on the 1st day of diabetes, and on the 4th, 7th, 10th, and 13th days of DM.

The curcuminoid (Turmeric-Curcumin) used was curcumin 95% turmeric root extract purchased from turmeric-curcumin.com. The curcumin powder was dissolved in carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC). The CMC solution was prepared by suspending 0.5 grams of CMC in 100 ml of distilled water. After suspension, it was administered directly into the rats' stomachs using an orogastric gavage.

Sample Preparation and Biochemical Analysis

After anesthesia, all rats were euthanized at the end of the study. Blood was collected from the heart of the rats and subjected to centrifugation at 14 thousand rpm for 10 minutes. The resulting supernatant was promptly transferred into tubes using a micropipette. Hypoxia inducible factor- α levels were measured according to the instructions provided with the ELISA Kit. The ELISA Kit employed a Sandwich-ELISA principle. The ELISA microplate was coated with specific antibodies for rat HIF-1α. Standards or samples were introduced into the wells of the microplate and combined with specific antibodies. Wells containing HIF-1α, biotinylated detection antibodies, and avidin-horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-streptavidin conjugate, initially exhibited a blue coloration. However, upon the addition of the stop solution, they underwent a change in coloration, appearing yellow. Optical density was determined spectrophotometrically at 450 ± 2 nm wavelength. The optical density values were proportional to the HIF-1α levels in the samples. Hypoxia inducible factor- α levels were calculated by comparing the optical density of the sample with a standard curve.

Vascular endothelial growth factor A levels were assessed following the guidelines provided in the ELISA Kit. Standards and plasma samples were added to the wells using a micropipette. Vascular endothelial growth factor A in the plasma was bound by the antibodies present in the wells. After washing, specific biotinylated detection antibodies were added. Following another wash, HRP-streptavidin was added to the wells. After washing again, 3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) substrate solution was added to the wells, producing a color corresponding to the concentration of VEGF-A in the sample. The stop solution converted the blue color to yellow. Color intensity was assessed with a Multiskan Go Spectrophotometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific Oy) at a wavelength of 450 nm.

Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission Procedure

Distortion product otoacoustic emission measurements were conducted using the GSI Corti otoacoustic emissions system (Grason-Stadler). Before testing, an injection of 50 mg/kg BW of ketamine (Hameln Pharmaceuticals GmbH) was administered to all rats intramuscularly.³⁴ After anesthesia, otoscopy was performed, followed by DPOAE testing according to the treatment groups. Testing was conducted in a quiet room. A suitable probe was inserted into the external ear canal of the rats. The testing involved using two simultaneous pure-tone stimuli with different frequencies and intensities. Measurements were conducted at frequencies from 1.5 kHz to 12 kHz (40 to 70 dB HL). A SNR ≥ 3 dB HL was considered a ‘pass’.³⁵ Measurement results were obtained in the form of Distortion Product (DP)-grams expressed in dB HL.

Statistical Analysis

The Shapiro-Wilk test was employed to assess the normality of the data. The SNR values between groups were calculated based on the mean SNR for each group. Differences in SNR and VEGF-A levels between groups were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Games-Howell tests, while HIF-1α levels were evaluated with one-way ANOVA and subsequent Bonferroni tests. Changes in SNR across different time points were analyzed based on the mean SNR at each time point, including prealloxan induction, on the 1st day of diabetes and on days 4th, 7th, 10th, and 13th of DM. Comparisons of SNR values across time points were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with post-hoc pairwise comparisons Bonferroni. The mean SNR used to calculate correlations between SNR and HIF-1α and VEGF-A was the mean SNR on the last day (day 13th of DM). Pearson correlation tests were performed to examine correlations between SNR and HIF-1α and VEGF-A plasma levels. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value < 0.05.

Results

Figure 1 demonstrates statistically significant differences in the mean SNR values (p = 0.015), plasma HIF-1α levels (p < 0.001), and plasma VEGF-A levels (p < 0.001) among the groups of Rattus norvegicus in the DM model following curcuminoid administration. The lowest mean SNR value was observed in the control group that did not receive curcuminoids (G1; 12.31 ± 1.06), whereas the highest value was found in the prevention group receiving a curcuminoid dose of 400 mg/kg BW (G5; 8.06 ± 0.16). Similarly, the most substantial reductions in HIF-1α and VEGF-A levels were also observed in the prevention group administered 400 mg/kg BW of curcuminoids (G5; 8.06 ± 0.16 and 9.81 ± 0.92 respectively). These findings indicate that curcuminoid administration enhances SNR values while simultaneously reducing HIF-1α and VEGF-A levels. To further identify group differences, a post-hoc analysis was conducted (Table 1).

Fig. 1
SNR (p = 0.015), plasma HIF-1α (p < 0.001), and plasma VEGF-A (p < 0.001) values for each group; analyzed using ANOVA. Abbreviations: ANOVA, analysis of variance; G, group; HIF-1α, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha; SNR, signal-to-noise ratio; VEGF-A, vascular endothelial growth factor-A.

Table 1
Statistical significance of the SNR, plasma HIF-1α, and plasma VEGF-A levels among the groups

Variable	Groups		p-value **
SNRa	G1	G2	0.991
		G3	0.649
		G4	0.348
		G5	0.041*
	G2	G3	0.979
		G4	0.898
		G5	0.375
	G3	G4	0.989
		G5	0.233
	G4	G5	0.234
HIF-1αb	G1	G2	< 0.001*
		G3	< 0.001*
		G4	< 0.001*
		G5	< 0.001*
	G2	G3	1.000
		G4	0.427
		G5	0.002*
	G3	G4	1.000
		G5	0.044*
	G4	G5	0.337
VEGF-Aa	G1	G2	0.238
		G3	0.043*
		G4	0.027*
		G5	0.012*
	G2	G3	0.669
		G4	0.418
		G5	0.121
	G3	G4	0.243
		G5	< 0.001*
	G4	G5	0.010*

• Abbreviations: G, group; HIF-1α, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha; SNR, signal-to-noise ratio; VEGF-A, vascular endothelial growth factor-A.
• Notes:
• ^*
  Statistically significant (p < 0.05).
• ^**
  Post-hoc ANOVA test.
• ^a
  Post-hoc Games-Howell.
• ^b
  Post-hoc Bonferroni.

Table 1 shows that after curcuminoid administration, a statistically significant difference in SNR values was observed between G1 and G5 (p = 0.041). This finding indicates that curcuminoid administration at a preventive dose of 400 mg/kg BW was more effective in improving SNR values compared with the group that did not receive curcuminoids. Table 1 also demonstrates statistically significant differences in plasma HIF-1α levels between G1 and G2, G3, G4, and G5 (each p < 0.001). This result suggests that curcuminoid administration led to a statistically significant reduction in plasma HIF-1α levels compared with the untreated group. Additionally, significant differences were found between G2 and G5 (p = 0.002) and between G3 and G5 (p = 0.044), indicating that prevention with a 400 mg/kg BW curcuminoid dose was more effective in reducing plasma HIF-1α levels than treatment with 200 mg/kg BW or 400 mg/kg BW doses. Furthermore, statistically significant differences in plasma VEGF-A levels were observed between G1 and G3 (p = 0.043), G4 (p = 0.027), and G5 (p = 0.012). Significant differences were also found between G3 and G5 (p < 0.001) and between G4 and G5 (p = 0.010), indicating that prevention with a 400 mg/kg BW curcuminoid dose was more effective in reducing plasma VEGF-A levels compared with treatment with a 400 mg/kg BW dose and prevention with a 200 mg/kg BW dose. Therefore, prevention was found to be more effective than treatment.

Figure 2 presents statistically significant differences in the mean SNR values across various measurement time points, ranging from prealloxan induction to the 13th day of DM in Rattus norvegicus. The results indicate a progressive decline in SNR values as the duration of diabetes increases, reflecting a gradual deterioration of cochlear function over time. Based on the provided data, the mean SNR values show a significant decline over time under diabetic conditions, with an average SNR of 23.78 ± 3.02 recorded during the preinduction measurement and 15.51 ± 6.55 on the 13th day of DM. The decrease in SNR at each measurement point demonstrates the progressive impairment of cochlear function as diabetes progresses. The statistically significant reduction (p < 0.001) further indicates the substantial impact of diabetes on auditory function impairment over time.

Fig. 2
Comparison of SNR values across measurement times; analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA (p < 0.001).

Table 2 shows that after the administration of curcuminoids, significant differences in SNR values were identified between the preinduction assessment and the 7th, 10th, and 13th days of DM; SNR values while DM diagnosis confirmed during DM compared to the 4th, 7th, 10th, and 13th days of DM; and SNR values on the 4th day of DM compared to the 7th, 10th, and 13th days of DM. This indicates that the onset of curcuminoid administration affects improving SNR values. The earlier the onset of curcuminoid administration, the more it can improve SNR values.

Table 2
Bonferroni pairwise comparisons of the SNR values regarding examination times

Examination time	Versus examination time	Mean difference	95%CI		p-value **
			Lower bound	Upper bound
Preinduction	Confirmed DM diagnosis	−0.89	−3.53	1.75	1.000
	4th day of DM	2.14	−0.22	4.49	0.103
	7th day of DM	5.59	2.01	9.18	0.001*
	10th day of DM	7.43	3.51	11.35	< 0.001*
	13th day of DM	8.28	3.50	13.05	< 0.001*
Confirmed DM diagnosis	4th day of DM	3.03	0.52	5.54	0.009*
	7th day of DM	6.49	2.76	10.21	< 0.001*
	10th day of DM	8.32	5.04	11.60	< 0.001*
	13th day of DM	9.17	4.65	13.69	< 0.001*
4th day of DM	7th day of DM	3.46	0.50	6.41	0.013*
	10th day of DM	5.29	2.50	8.08	< 0.001*
	13th day of DM	6.14	2.17	10.10	0.001*
7th day of DM	10th day of DM	1.84	- 1.18	4.86	0.888
	13th day of DM	2.68	-0.89	6.26	0.333
10th day of DM	13th day of DM	0.85	- 2.34	4.04	1.000

• Abbreviations: DM, diabetes mellitus; SNR, signal-to-noise ratio.
• Notes:
• ^*
  Statistically significant (p < 0.05).
• ^**
  Bonferroni pairwise comparisons test.

Figure 3 shows a statistically significant correlation between SNR values and plasma levels of HIF-1α and VEGF. The Pearson correlation coefficient is −0.553 for plasma HIF-1α and −0.564 for plasma VEGF, indicating strong and moderate correlation strengths, respectively. Lower levels of plasma HIF-1α and VEGF are associated with higher SNR values.

Fig. 3
Correlation between SNR values and plasma HIF-1α (A, p = 0.004) and VEGF-A (B, p = 0.003); analyzed using the Pearson correlation test.

Discussion

We found that curcuminoids affect preventing and treating damage to the outer hair cell in the organ of Corti due to DM complications, as evidenced by the improvement in SNR values (Fig. 1 and Table 1) and the correlation between SNR affect values and HIF-1α and VEGF-A (Fig. 3) in groups receiving curcuminoids. The highest plasma levels of HIF-1α and VEGF-A were observed in the control group that did not receive curcuminoids. In contrast, the lowest HIF-1α and VEGF-A plasma levels were found in the 400 mg/kg BW prevention group (Fig. 1). This is in line with other research on the potential effects of curcumin in reducing HIF-1 and VEGF levels in cancer patients under hypoxic conditions. Curcumin can inhibit hypoxia-induced angiogenesis in vascular endothelial cells³⁶ and improve SNR values in Rattus norvegicus exposed to noise.³⁷ However, this contrasts with previous studies that showed no statistically significant difference in the effect of curcumin on hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. The study on liver tumor cases using liposomal curcumin at a dose of 20 mg/kg BW reported such results.³⁸ No significant effect was observed in inhibiting the reduction of DPOAE and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) amplitudes in a DM model exposed to noise.³⁹ The differences in study results may be attributed to variations in the experimental model, dosage, and administration protocol. Overall, plasma levels of HIF-1α and VEGF-A were significantly different between the control group and the treatment or prevention groups receiving curcuminoids, except for VEGF-A levels in group 2 (Table 1). The effect is dose-dependent and influenced by the duration of administration.⁴⁰ We found that curcuminoids administered at a dose of 400 mg/kg BW had better preventive and therapeutic effects compared with a dose of 200 mg/kg BW. Higher doses and longer administration of curcuminoids were associated with lower levels of HIF-1α and VEGF-A. The reduction in HIF-1α and VEGF-A levels also showed similar results (Fig. 1).

The lowest SNR values were found in the control group that did not receive curcuminoids (Fig. 1). The SNR values decreased with the duration of DM (Fig. 2). The decrease in SNR values indicates hearing impairment.⁴¹ We suggest that this decline in SNR is most likely caused by oxidative stress, hypoxia, and cochlear microvascular dysfunction due to chronic hyperglycemia. Diabetes-induced hypoxia increases HIF-1α expression, which stimulates VEGF-A, leading to increased vascular permeability and angiogenesis in the cochlea. This process damages cochlear hair cells, which play a crucial role in sound transduction, ultimately impairing auditory function.¹³,¹⁴,¹⁶,¹⁷ Curcuminoids have the potential to protect the cochlea through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.⁴² These compounds suppress HIF-1α expression, mitigate hypoxia-related effects, and inhibit VEGF-A activation.⁴³ Additionally, HIF plays a role in reducing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production during chronic hypoxia to protect cells while activating the transcription of genes involved in angiogenesis (VEGF), cell proliferation, and pH regulation.⁴⁴,⁴⁵ Thus, curcuminoids help maintain cochlear microvascular homeostasis and reduce oxidative stress, slowing the progression of hearing impairment in DM. However, the negative effects of DM appear to outweigh the benefits of curcuminoids in preventing or reversing SNR decline.

The best SNR values were also observed in the prevention group receiving a dose of 400 mg/kg BW (Table 1). Administration of curcuminoids in diabetic rats showed that low average DPOAE amplitudes could be improved after treatment with the appropriate dose.⁴⁶ Curcuminoids have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects.⁴⁷ We argue that the ability to prevent cochlear outer hair cell damage is attributed to these effects. Other studies have demonstrated that antioxidant administration represents an efficacious strategy for improving noise-induced hearing impairment in the cochlea.⁴⁸

The greatest reduction in HIF-1α levels occurred in the prevention group receiving 400 mg/kg BW (Fig. 1). Statistical analysis confirmed that this prevention dose was more effective than the same treatment dose in reducing HIF-1α levels (Fig. 1 and Table 1). Thus, curcuminoids are more effective in preventing DM-related hearing impairment than in treating it, likely due to their cytoprotective effects against inflammation, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress. Curcuminoids inhibit cytochrome activation, preventing ROS accumulation.⁴³ Curcumin reduces oxidative stress in the blood, improving vascular inflammation in diabetes.⁴⁹ It also provides protective effects by suppressing hypoxia-induced gene expression.⁵⁰ Under hypoxic conditions, cells regulate inflammation through anti- and proinflammatory mediators, including peptides, glycoproteins, and transcription factors.⁵¹ Hypoxia inducible factor- α, a key regulator of oxygen homeostasis, is activated in response to hypoxia. It controls genes involved in angiogenesis (VEGF), vasomotor regulation (nitric oxide synthase [NOS]), red blood cell formation, iron metabolism, cell proliferation (insulin-like growth factor-1), and energy metabolism (glucose transporter [GLUT 1–3], phosphofructokinase-1). Given its regulation of essential genes, HIF-1 plays a crucial role, particularly under hypoxic conditions.⁵²

The effect of curcuminoid administration in reducing VEGF levels was demonstrated in the present study (Fig. 1). Other studies have shown that curcumin lowers VEGF levels in diet-induced hepatocellular carcinoma⁵³ and reduces VEGF levels induced by osteopontin protein and tumor angiogenesis.⁵⁴ Curcumin can decrease cellular activity of various growth factors and cytokines, including VEGF. Curcumin is a traditional medicine with anti-inflammatory properties and can mitigate oxidative stress to maintain cellular homeostasis.³⁸ Oxidative damage in diabetic patients can be reduced with anti-inflammatory agents⁵⁵ and antioxidant intake.⁵⁶ The protective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of curcumin can effectively control diabetes.⁵⁷ Curcumin is beneficial in preventing and treating various inflammatory diseases through the inhibition of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase.⁵⁸

The most significant decrease in VEGF-A levels was observed in the prevention group receiving 400 mg/kg BW curcuminoid (Fig. 1). Statistical tests also showed that the 400 mg/kg BW prevention dose was more impactful than the 400 mg/kg BW treatment dose in reducing VEGF-A levels and that the 400 mg/kg BW prevention dose was better than the 200 mg/kg BW prevention dose (Fig. 1 and Table 1). Curcumin is effective in angiogenesis mechanisms depending on the dose and concentration administered.³⁸ Curcumin can prevent angiogenesis due to its antiangiogenic and antioxidant activities,⁵⁹ which effectively lower VEGF levels by preventing angiogenesis responses.⁶⁰ Curcumin has high therapeutic efficacy in angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and signal transduction. Curcumin inhibits VEGF expression, making it useful as a treatment for diseases related to angiogenesis, particularly microvascular complications of diabetes.⁶¹ Curcumin can also address insulin resistance due to DM.⁶² Therefore, curcumin can prevent diabetes complications.⁴³

The 400 mg/kg BW dose used in the present study was still well tolerated, as curcuminoids have a safe dose limit of up to 1,000 mg/kg BW and a lethal dose of 50 (LD50) > 5,000 mg/kg BW in Rattus norvegicus.⁶³ Various studies on animals and humans have demonstrated that curcuminoids are very safe to consume. The safety and pharmacological effectiveness of curcumin position it as a promising compound for the treatment and prevention of various human diseases.⁶⁴ The potential of curcuminoids in various biological activities involves multiple mechanisms⁶⁵ that can provide radical scavenging effects and enhance biological antioxidant defense systems.⁵⁶

The correlation analysis results indicate a strong negative correlation between SNR values and plasma levels of HIF-1α (r = −0.553; p = 0.004) and VEGF-A (r = −0.564; p = 0.003) on Figure 3. Increased levels of HIF-1α and VEGF-A are associated with decreased SNR values, reflecting cochlear dysfunction. In DM, chronic hypoxia caused by metabolic disturbances leads to increased HIF-1α expression, triggering inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in the cochlea.¹³,¹⁴ Elevated HIF-1α also contributes to VEGF-A dysregulation, which plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and vascular function in the cochlea.¹⁵ This dysregulation increases vascular permeability, reduces blood flow, and disrupts the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the cochlea, ultimately exacerbating hearing impairment in diabetic patients.¹⁶,¹⁷ The negative correlation observed in the present study supports the hypothesis that hypoxia and excessive angiogenesis contribute to cochlear dysfunction in DM. Curcuminoids play a protective role by reducing hypoxia and inhibiting the VEGF-A pathway. These compounds exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,⁴² which can suppress HIF-1α expression, reduce VEGF-A stimulation, and prevent cochlear damage caused by hypoxia and vascular alterations.⁴³ Therefore, the strong negative correlation between SNR and HIF-1α and VEGF-A further supports the protective mechanism of curcuminoids in preserving cochlear function under diabetic conditions.

We acknowledge that the present research has several limitations, such as a small sample size, the absence of a normal control group for comparison, and the lack of histopathological evidence supporting the protective mechanism of curcuminoids in the cochlea and pancreas. Histopathological analysis is crucial to confirm whether structural improvements align with functional hearing recovery and reduced hypoxia. Furthermore, future research should investigate the long-term effects of curcuminoid administration to determine the sustainability of its therapeutic benefits and side effects. Exploring the combination of curcuminoids with other therapies may also help evaluate potential synergistic effects. Additionally, clinical trials on human subjects are essential to validate these findings in a broader clinical context. With a more comprehensive approach, future research can provide stronger evidence regarding the effectiveness of curcuminoids as a therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating diabetes-related complications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the present study confirms that DM causes damage to the outer hair cells of the cochlea, as evidenced by decreased SNR values and increased plasma biomarkers of HIF-1α and VEGF-A. The present study also demonstrates that curcuminoids can prevent and repair damage to the organ of Corti in diabetic Rattus norvegicus model, as shown by improvements in SNR values and the correlation between SNR values and plasma levels of HIF-1α and VEGF-A. Curcuminoids also reduce HIF-1α and VEGF-A plasma levels in diabetic Rattus norvegicus models. Curcuminoids are a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of sensorineural hearing loss caused by DM complications.

• Funding
  The authors declare that the present study was funded by Deputi Penguatan Riset dan Pengembangan Kementrian Riset dan Teknologi/Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (175/UN5.2.3.1/PPM/KP-DPRP/2020).
• Ethical Approval
  The Ethics Committee of Universitas Sumatera Utara in Medan, Indonesia, granted approval for the research protocol under the number 199/KEP/USU/2020. Every effort was undertaken to lessen suffering and decrease the number of animals involved.

Data Availability

Data will be available upon request to the corresponding author.

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Edited by

• Editor-in-Chief:
  Geraldo Pereira Jotz.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  27 Apr 2026
• Date of issue
  2026

History

• Received
  22 Oct 2024
• Accepted
  14 July 2025