Analysis of Polymorphisms Associated with Base Excision Repair in Patients Susceptible and Resistant to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

[Research progress in genetics of noise-induced hearing loss]

Noise-induced hearing loss（NIHL） is an acquired sensorineural hearing loss induced by long-term noise exposure. The susceptibility of exposed people may vary even in the same noise environment. With the development of sequencing techniques, genes related to oxidative stress, immunoinflammatory, ion homeostasis, energy metabolism, DNA damage repair and other mechanisms in NIHL have been reported continuously. And some genes may interact with noise exposure indexes. In this article, population studies on NIHL-related gene polymorphisms and gene-environment interactions in the past 20 years are reviewed, aimed to providing evidence for the construction of NIHL-related risk prediction models and the formulation of individualized interventions.

Approaches to Mitigate Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Mitochondria are highly dynamic multifaceted organelles with various functions including cellular energy metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, calcium homeostasis, and apoptosis. Because of these diverse functions, mitochondria are key regulators of cell survival and death, and their dysfunction is implicated in numerous diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Huntington's Disease. One of the most common neurodegenerative disorders is sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). SNHL primarily originates from the degenerative changes in the cochlea, which is the auditory portion of the inner ear. Many cochlear cells contain an abundance of mitochondria and are metabolically highly active, rendering them susceptible to mitochondrial dysfunction. Indeed, the causal role of mitochondrial dysfunction in SNHL progression is well established, and therefore, targeted for treatment. In this review, we aim to compile the emerging findings in the literature indicating the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the progression of sensorineural hearing loss and highlight potential therapeutics targeting mitochondrial dysfunction for hearing loss treatment.

The Role of Genetic Variants in the Susceptibility of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Noised-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an acquired, progressive neurological damage caused by exposure to intense noise in various environments including industrial, military and entertaining settings. The prevalence of NIHL is much higher than other occupational injuries in industrialized countries. Recent studies have revealed that genetic factors, together with environmental conditions, also contribute to NIHL. A group of genes which are linked to the susceptibility of NIHL had been uncovered, involving the progression of oxidative stress, potassium ion cycling, cilia structure, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), DNA damage repair, apoptosis, and some other genes. In this review, we briefly summarized the studies primary in population and some animal researches concerning the susceptible genes of NIHL, intending to give insights into the further exploration of NIHL prevention and individual treatment.