Gentamicin is a common chemotherapeutic for Meniere’s, where it is injected into inner ear tissues to suppress Meniere’s symptoms. But, excess amounts of gentimicin can harm hair cells, reducing or eliminating hearing in the affected ear. It appears that a major component of common tea, epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) reduces gentimicin inner ear toxicity. Perhaps it would be well for those undergoing gentimicin therapy to supplement with EGCG. It is sold by all suppliers of vitamins, minerals, and supplements. Information here: http://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/egcg-protected-outer-hair-cells-gentamicin-toxicity-cochlear-explant-model –John of Ohio
John I am looking at low dose gent for my next step on the treatment ladder and hopefully I can have minimal treatments and injections. Does this article mean that if I had to have further injection that the hair cells have less chance of being damaged and better protection of hearing.
Simply, EGCG reduces or stops hearing loss caused by gentimicin. (If that happens at the dosages used in Meniere's treatments is unknown or unstated). If I were to have a gent injection, I'd be popping some EGCG pills or capsules for a week or so, as per the product label. Cheap, no harm. --John of Ohio
John Gentamicin is a destructive treatment. Having made the momentous decision to have it, why would you then take something to counteract it? On the face of it, this seems a bit daft to me! Have you consulted any medics about this advice?
Have you read the paper? EGCG does not prevent or suppress the therapeutic effects of gentimicin therapy for Meniere's; it simply helps preserve the function and health of the hair cells. If those get damaged or lost, they cannot re-grow or be replaced; permanent hearing loss. ENTs prescribe and admimnister just enough gentimicin to suppress Meniere's symptoms, but not harm hair cells. Co-adminstration of EGCG will merely help protect the hair cells. It will not in any way keep genetimicin from performing its anticipated Meniere's treatment function. Gentimicin is not administered to kill hair cells. --John of Ohio
Yes I have read it, but cannot see this ‘smart bombing’ capability where only the bad guys get hit and the civilians are OK. The study does not reference Meniere’s. Can you elucidate please? You avoided the question of whether you have consulted any medics about this advice.
Please, what, per chance, might a physician be able to tell any of us about the information in the article that we can't read and understand ourselves? I'm a biologist. I understand it completely. Simply, EGCG helps preserve hair cell function. It's utterly safe, with no side effects. The study was not was not a study of any specific Meniere's treatment, rather, the ability of EGCG to preserve hair cell function in the presence of gentimicin. Inasmuch as elevated levels of gentimicin can harm hair cells, the administration of EGCG, simply, helps preserve hair cell (hearing) function, as when gentimicin is used as a Meniere's therapy. Of course, anyone considering gentimicin therapy is free and encouraged to consult with their physician regarding concomitant administration of EGCG. Of course, EGCG is the common, major healthful componant of common tea. Does any physician ever caution the drinking of tea before or during gentimicin therapy? No, it's simply not a safety issue. It's profoundly safe. And effective. It can help save hearing when gentimicin is administered. That's what the article stated. Simple enough. --John of Ohio