Oxidative stress in nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss

ABSTRACT

Ototoxicity seems to result from the inhibition of cochlear antioxidant defenses, causing an increase in the amount of reactive oxygen species. These findings suggest a causal relationship between the formation of reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress and functional/morphological ear damage. auditory function was monitored along with plasma concentrations of copper, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. Further more, lipid peroxidation, beta carotene, vitamin A, E and C activities and immunoglobulin G, M and A levels were estimated. A significant decrease in calcium, phosphorus, beta carotene, and vitamin E activities as well as low levels of immunoglobulin G and M were found. The observed increase in lipid peroxidation is indicative for oxidative stress which suggests a putative role of antioxidants in the pathogenesis of sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusion: The results support the hypothesis that dietary and immune factors influence individual susceptibility to hearing loss. Further studies are needed to verify whether antioxidants, correction of deficient nutrients and/or immune modulation would improve sensorineural hearing loss