Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle regulates microbiota-gut-inner ear axis for hearing protection

ABSTRACT Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a highly prevalent form of sensorineural hearing damage that has significant negative effects on individuals of all ages and there are no effective drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. In this study, we unveil the potential of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle assembly (SPIOCA) to reshape the dysbiosis of gut microbiota for treating NIHL. This modulation inhibits intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress responses, protecting the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Consequently, it reduces the transportation of pathogens and inflammatory factors from the bloodstream to the cochlea. Additionally, gut microbiota-modulated SPIOCA-induced metabolic reprogramming in the gut–inner ear axis mainly depends on the regulation of the sphingolipid metabolic pathway, which further contributes to the restoration of hearing function. Our study confirms the role of the microbiota–gut–inner ear axis in NIHL and provides a novel alternative for the treatment of NIHL and other microbiota dysbiosis-related diseases.