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Associations between HLA-C alleles and definite Meniere's disease
Mohammad-Taghi Khorsandi1, Mahsa M Amoli, Hebatodin Borghei
1Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Both genetic and environmental factors seem to play role in the etiology of Meniere's disease (MD). Several genes may be involved in susceptibility of MD including Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA). The associations between MD and HLA alleles have been previously studied in other populations and certain HLA alleles were shown to be predisposing. The aim of this study was to determine the association between HLA-C allele frequencies and definite MD in patients who refer to Amir-Alam otolaryngology tertiary referral center in Tehran. Patients with definite MD (N=22) enrolled according to the diagnostic criteria of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). Cases with all 3 symptoms of MD (Vertigo, Tinnitus and lower frequency of sensory-neural hearing loss) were included and those with suspected MD were excluded from study. HLA-Cw allele frequencies were determined in patients non-related healthy controls (N=91) using PCR -SSP. We found that the frequency of HLACw*04 was significantly higher in patients compared to the controls [P = 0.0015, OR; 20, 95% CI (3.7-196.9)]. Our results revealed that HLA-C is a genetic predisposing factor in definite MD in patients who refer to Amir-Alam otolaryngology tertiary referral center.
Insights
Genetic factors, including Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA), may influence Meniere
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Meniere's disease (MD) etiology involves both genetic and environmental factors.
- Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) are among the genes potentially linked to MD susceptibility.
- Previous studies suggest certain HLA alleles are predisposing factors for MD in various populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between HLA-C allele frequencies and definite Meniere's disease (MD).
- To analyze HLA-C allele frequencies in patients with definite MD at Amir-Alam otolaryngology tertiary referral center, Tehran.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 22 patients with definite MD based on AAO-HNS criteria.
- Exclusion of patients with suspected MD, focusing on those with vertigo, tinnitus, and low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss.
- HLA-Cw allele frequencies determined using PCR-SSP in patients and 91 unrelated healthy controls.
Main Results:
- The frequency of the HLA-Cw*04 allele was significantly higher in definite MD patients compared to controls.
- A strong association was observed: P = 0.0015, Odds Ratio (OR) = 20, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (3.7-196.9).
- This finding indicates a significant genetic predisposition conferred by HLA-C in this patient cohort.
Conclusions:
- HLA-C acts as a genetic predisposing factor for definite Meniere's disease.
- The HLA-Cw*04 allele is significantly associated with MD in the studied Iranian population.
- Further research into HLA-C's role could elucidate MD pathogenesis and inform targeted therapies.
