title: Gene-based diagnostic and treatment methods for tinnitus.
abstract: The etiology of tinnitus combines hereditary and environmental factors. To help develop optimal therapies for tinnitus, it is necessary to characterize the genetic contributors to the pathophysiology and to design treatments at the level of the gene. Inner ear gene therapy involves delivery of genes into the vestibular or auditory portions of the inner ear for preventive or reparative therapies at the level of the sensory epithelium or the eighth nerve neurons. BDNF and GDNF are among the neurotrophic factors shown to be overexpressed with gene therapy and to protect the inner ear against trauma. Combined treatment with Ad.GDNF and electrical stimulation provided enhanced preservation of denervated spiral ganglion neurons. The use of viral vectors for gene therapy may involve side effects, including immune response to the viral proteins. Treatment with immunosuppressive medications can reduce the negative consequences of adenovirus-mediated gene therapy.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Pediatric Genetics and Human Genetics, University of Michigan, 9220B MSRB-3, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0648, USA.
authors.forename: Donna M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Yehoash
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Raphael
mesh_terms: D000260:Adenoviruses, Human / Q000235:genetics; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D003056:Cochlear Nerve / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D051100:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D013136:Spiral Ganglion / Q000378:metabolism; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; C495039:GDNF protein, human; D051100:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors