Glutathione s-transferase gene polymorphisms in Italian patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene polymorphisms and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in a population of consecutive Italian patients. Assuming that reactive oxygen species formation may play a role in inner ear damage, we investigated whether profiles of GSTs antioxidant enzymes M1 and T1 genotypes may be associated with the risk of SSNHL.


METHODS
A prospective study in patients with SSNHL.


METHODS
We investigated 80 Italian patients with SSNHL for the frequency of GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms. Genotype distribution of all factors found in patients were compared with those of 80 healthy control subjects of the same ethnic background using chi and odds-ratio analysis. Statistical significance was accepted at a level of p < 0.05.


RESULTS
In our series, the frequencies of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes did not differ from those of the control subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
The few studies regarding genetic polymorphisms of GSTs in SSNHL are not conclusive. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of antioxidants including GSTs in SSNHL and to provide the lacking information to improve our knowledge in the field before implementing the use of genetic polymorphism in the SSNHL medicine daily practice.
Cadoni
Gabriella
G
Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. gab.cad@tiscali.it
Boccia
Stefania
S
Scipione
Simona
S
Arzani
Dario
D
Cianfagna
Francesco
F
Ricciardi
Gualteiro
G
Paludetti
Gaetamo
G
Agostino
Stefania
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D017353:Gene Deletion; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000235:genetics*; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000235:genetics*; D003639:Hearing Loss, Sudden / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011446:Prospective Studies
D005982:Glutathione Transferase