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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Endothelial progenitor cells in sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Nicola Quaranta1, Alfonso Ramunni, Concetta De Luca
1Otolaryngology Clinic "G. Lugli", Otology and Neurotologic Surgery, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, Italy. nicola.quaranta@orl.uniba.it
Patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) have significantly lower levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). This suggests a vascular component may be involved in the development of SSHL.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Otolaryngology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are crucial for vascular repair and maintenance.
- Reduced EPCs are linked to vascular risk factors and endothelial dysfunction.
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a condition with potential vascular underpinnings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the concentration of EPCs in individuals diagnosed with SSHL.
- To determine if EPC levels differ between SSHL patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to analyze peripheral blood samples.
- Specific cell populations, including CD34+KDR+CD133+ cells, were quantified.
- Twenty-one SSHL patients were compared to a control group.
Main Results:
- Circulating EPC levels were significantly diminished in SSHL patients compared to controls.
- Reduced counts of CD34+KDR+ and CD34+CD133+KDR+ cells were observed in SSHL patients (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The study confirms endothelial dysfunction in patients with SSHL.
- Findings support the involvement of vascular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of SSHL.
- Lower EPC levels may serve as a biomarker for SSHL.
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