Kanamycin induces free radicals formation in melanocytes: An important factor for aminoglycosides ototoxicity

Ototoxicity is well-documented but not fully understood undesirable side effect of aminoglycoside antibiotic, kanamycin. Kanamycin is capable of binding to melanin biopolymers-natural pigments of the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin-producing cells, melanocytes, are also present in the inner ear and are known to be necessary for normal hearing. It was considered that melanin content in the inner ear may influence aminoglycoside-induced ototoxic...