Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant SkQR1 Ameliorates Gentamycin-Induced Renal Failure and Hearing Loss

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S. S. Jankauskas^1,3, E. Y. Plotnikov^2,3*, M. A. Morosanova^1,3, I. B. Pevzner^1,3, L. D. Zorova^3,4, V. P. Skulachev^1,2,3, and D. B. Zorov^2,3*

¹Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia

²Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; fax: (495) 939-3181; E-mail: plotnikov@genebee.msu.ru; zorov@genebee.msu.su

³Research Institute of Mitoengineering, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia

⁴International Laser Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received March 4, 2012; Revision received March 15, 2012

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The influence of the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQR1 on gentamycin-induced nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity has been analyzed. SkQR1 reduces the death of kidney epithelium cells and decreases the severity of renal failure caused by gentamycin application and also lowers the animals’ mortality. Treatment with SkQR1 also decreases gentamycin-induced hearing loss. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, such as SkQR1, are new promising agents for preventing negative consequences of therapy with antibiotics.

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KEY WORDS: kidney, organ of Corti, mitochondria, antioxidant, nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, antibiotics

DOI: 10.1134/S0006297912060144

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