An evaluation of trace elements and oxidative stress in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Vertigo and Dizziness are a common complaint among the reasons for applying to the ear nose throat clinic. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of perpheric vertigo. Oxidative stress is caused by the formation of hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide, which are reactive oxygen derivatives (ROS). The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between complaints and serum trace element and oxidative stress levels in patients with BPPV.

This study was conducted with 66 adult patients who presented to the ENT policlinic with the complaint of vertigo and were diagnosed with BPPV between May 2020 and September 2020. Blood samples were taken from patients diagnosed with BPPV to measure serum Zn and Cu levels and oxidative stress levels during an attack.

The mean ages of the study patients and healthy controls were 45.7 ± 15.1 and 44.7±13.2. Female / Male ratio were 28(42.5%)/38(57.5%) and 32(48.5%)/34(51.5%) in study and control group. We found serum Cu levels were lower in the patient group (p <0.05). Serum Total Thiol and Native Thiol values were lower in patients with BPPV. Total Thiol results were statistically significant.(p<0.05) Disulfide values were significantly higher in the disease group. (P <0.05). Thiol Oxidized / Thiol Reduced ratio (2243.6±6.7/343.8±125.3) was higher in control group. (p<0.05).

Serum oxidative stress and trace elements play a role in the pathophysiology of BPPV. We present the cut-off values for Cu and Zn in vertigo patients for the first time in the literature. We think that these cut-off values of the trace elements and thiol/disulfide hemostasis can be used clinically by physicians in the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of vertigo.