Sensory Hair Cell Apoptosis

Sensory hair cell apoptosis refers to the programmed cell death (apoptosis) of sensory hair cells, primarily located in the inner ear's cochlea and vestibular organs. These cells are essential for hearing and balance. Their loss is a major cause of sensorineural hearing loss in humans. Apoptotic pathways implicated in sensory hair cell death include the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway, extrinsic pathway, and JNK/MAPK signaling. Common triggers include ototoxic drugs, excessive noise exposure, aging-related degeneration, and genetic mutations. Loss of these cells leads directly to sensorineural hearing loss. Potential strategies for preventing or mitigating sensory hair cell apoptosis include caspase inhibitors, JNK pathway inhibitors and antioxidants/neuroprotective agents.

Caspase inhibition, JNK pathway inhibition, Reduction of oxidative stress