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Mitochondrial ribosome and Ménière's disease: a pilot study
David Pacheu-Grau1, Laura Pérez-Delgado, Covadonga Gómez-Díaz
1Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas En Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Universidad de Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet, 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
Abstract:
Ménière's disease patients experience vestibular disability. When most of medical treatments fail, a chemical labyrinthectomy using aminoglycosides is indicated. However, this process frequently causes hearing damage. Aminoglycosides, interacting with mitochondrial rRNAs, alter mitochondrial protein synthesis and the oxidative phosphorylation system, which provide most of the energy in sensory hair cells. For this reason, we hypothesized that genetic variation in mitochondrial rRNA genes and in two nuclear genes coding for proteins that also modify the susceptibility to aminoglycosides might affect the risk of hearing loss in Ménière's disease patients suffering chemical labyrinthectomy. However, there were no differences in mitochondrial rRNA, TFB1M or MRPS12 genetic variation between those patients that experienced or did not experience hearing loss. This is only a pilot study and larger studies are required to use this therapeutic approach in a rational way and decrease the risk of hearing damage.
Insights
Genetic variations in mitochondrial genes did not predict hearing loss risk in Ménière
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Genetics
- Mitochondrial Biology
Background:
- Ménière's disease causes vestibular disability, often treated with chemical labyrinthectomy using aminoglycosides when other treatments fail.
- Aminoglycosides can cause hearing damage by affecting mitochondrial function in sensory hair cells.
- Genetic factors influencing aminoglycoside susceptibility may impact hearing loss risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if genetic variations in mitochondrial rRNA and nuclear genes (TFB1M, MRPS12) influence hearing loss risk after aminoglycoside treatment in Ménière's disease patients.
- To identify potential genetic markers for predicting hearing damage from chemical labyrinthectomy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic variations in mitochondrial rRNA, TFB1M, and MRPS12 genes.
- Comparison of genetic profiles between Ménière's disease patients who experienced hearing loss and those who did not after chemical labyrinthectomy.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in genetic variation of mitochondrial rRNA, TFB1M, or MRPS12 were found between patients with and without hearing loss.
- This pilot study did not identify specific genetic markers for predicting aminoglycoside-induced hearing damage.
Conclusions:
- The studied genetic variations do not appear to be major determinants of hearing loss risk following chemical labyrinthectomy in Ménière's disease.
- Larger studies are needed to further explore genetic influences and optimize the use of this treatment to minimize hearing damage.
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