# Oral Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Induced Hearing Loss

> **NIH NIH R01** · SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY SCH OF MED · 2021 · $361,744

## Abstract

Current Abstract - Supplement
Recent data suggest an association between Alzheimer’s disease and hearing loss. Some reports suggest that
amyloid β (Aβ) deposition in the cochlea could account for the hearing loss. In transgenic mouse models of
Alzheimer’s disease, it has been shown that the loss of hearing was associated with Aβ deposition in the cochlea.
Previous studies from our laboratory indicate that Aβ increases Ca2+ and increased inflammatory markers in
primary neuron cultures from rats. In addition, we observed that cortical tissues from 3xTg mouse model (also
known as 3xTg-AD model) have increased levels of TNF-α. We speculate that a similar event occurs in the
cochleae of Alzheimer’s disease mouse models which could contribute to hearing loss in these mice. Since our
current RO1 proposal is based on the hypothesis that cochlear inflammation produces hearing loss, we believe
that a Supplement on Alzheimer’s disease is within the general scope of the original grant. Therefore,
experiments outlined in the supplement will test the hypothesis that Alzheimer’s transgenic mice show a time-
dependent loss of hearing which is associated with Aβ accumulation in the cochlea. Specific aim 1 will explore
the age-dependent loss of hearing in the 5XFAD mouse model covering the postnatal period 0 to 6 months
during which these mice show amyloid deposition in the brain and cognitive deficits. Various inflammatory and
apoptotic markers will be examined by immunohistochemical and real time PCR assays. Specific aim 2 will
examine the effect of oral epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a natural product with antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory properties, on the development of hearing loss in this mouse model. This drug shows promise for
treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in preclinical trials. EGCG is currently being used in the current parent RO1 to
treat cisplatin ototoxicity. It was shown to particularly effective for this indication. We believe this product stands
a good chance in providing hearing protection in these animals and ultimately in humans suffering from
Alzheimer’s-induced hearing loss.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10288729
- **Project number:** 3R01DC016835-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY SCH OF MED
- **Principal Investigator:** Vickram Ramkumar
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $361,744
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2018-06-01 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10288729

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10288729, Oral Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Induced Hearing Loss (3R01DC016835-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10288729. Licensed CC0.

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