ABSTRACT
Meniere's disease (MD) is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by chronic episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, increased aural pressure, and sensorineural hearing loss. Causes of MD are unknown, but endolymphatic hydrops is a hallmark. In addition, 5%-15% of MD cases have been identified as familial. Whole-genome sequencing studies of individuals with familial MD identified DTNA and FAM136A as candidate genes for autosomal dominant inheritance of MD. Although the exact roles of these genes in MD are unknown, FAM136A encodes a mitochondrial protein, and DTNA encodes a cytoskeletal protein involved in synapse formation and maintenance, important for maintaining the blood-brain barrier. It is also associated with a particular aquaporin. We tested vestibular and auditory function in dtna and fam136a knockout (KO) mice, using RotaRod and startle reflex-based clicker tests, respectively. Three-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) results indicated that sex, age, and genotype were significantly correlated with reduced mean latencies to fall ("latencies") for male dtna KO mice, while only age was a significant factor for fam136a KO mice. Fam136a KO mice lost their hearing months before WTs (9-11 months vs. 15-20 months). In male dtna KO mice, divergence in mean latencies compared with other genotypes was first evident at 4 months of age, with older males having an even greater decrease. Our results indicate that fam136a gene mutations generate hearing problems, while dtna gene mutations produce balance deficits. Both mouse models should help to elucidate hearing loss and balance-related symptoms associated with MD.
Subject(s)
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural , Meniere Disease , Vestibule, Labyrinth , Animals , Mice , Male , Meniere Disease/genetics , Meniere Disease/complications , Meniere Disease/diagnosis , Reflex, Startle , MutationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty is increasingly performed after weight loss surgery. However, performing a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) after abdominoplasty poses technical challenges. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to compare operative events and postoperative outcomes between LSG patients with and without a history of prior abdominoplasty. SETTING: University hospital, Qatar. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on 2 groups of patients with (n = 33) and without (n = 69) prior abdominoplasty who underwent LSG. Patient demographics, baseline characteristics, as well as operative and postoperative events were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients with an average age of 39.6±7.7 years and body mass index (BMI) of 42.8±5.9 kg/m2 were included. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of demographic characteristics, preoperative BMI, and co-morbidities. The number of ports required was significantly higher in the LSG patients with a history of prior abdominoplasty than in the nonabdominoplasty patients. The operation time was also significantly longer in the abdominoplasty patients than in the nonabdominoplasty patients (90.3±36.7 minutes versus 57.1±17.7 minutes; P<.0001). However, no significant differences were observed in terms of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and weight loss results. CONCLUSION: LSG after abdominoplasty is associated with longer operative times and the need for additional port placement to overcome the decreased working space. However, operative strategies should be considered to overcome the technical challenges during LSG in patients who underwent a prior abdominoplasty.
