Genetic role in recurrent acute otitis media

There is increasing interest that a strong genetic component is involved in the predisposition to recurrent acute otitis media [rAOM]. Study of human leucocyte antigens [HLA], as a genetic marker, by microcytotoxicity test and polymerase chain reaction [PCR] of 31 patients of rAOM was done to find out the relation between them for clarifying the pathogenesis of recurrence. The study showed HLA B21 antigen of class I and HLA DR2 antigen of class II were significantly increased p value. This supports the presence of an immunogenetic factor in pathogenesis of rAOM

Adverse effects of chronic exposure to ambient benzene on the cochlea-an experimental study

The enrolled animals in this study were conducted to analyses the possible histological changes in the cochlea on chronic exposure to ambient benzene. The studied animals were 50 albino rats which were divided into two groups, benzene and control groups. The first group included 40 rats and subjected to benzene inhalation with the same criteria of its ambient inhalation. The control group was 10 animals which didn't expose to benzene. Two months later, the animals were sacrificed and the cochleae were processed for histopathological study. Degenerative changes of stria vascular [SV] were reported in 30% of animals of benzene group. Also, cloudy swelling of outer hair cells [OHC] in 20% and hydropic degeneration [OHC] in 10% of benzene group were recorded. No histopathological changes were noticed in control group. The changes were attributed to degenerative rather than inflammatory reactions. The possible mechanism of these changes was discussed. It was concluded that chronic exposure to ambient benzene has noxious effect on the cochlea and sensorineural hearing loss may arise and certain recommendations would be suggested