Lipids and Statin Medication With Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Epidemiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Lipids and statin medications are implicated in sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) development, but their precise roles require clarification.
• Observational studies suggest a link between hyperlipidemia and SNHL risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal association between genetically predicted lipid levels and statin use with the risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) using Mendelian randomization.

Main Methods:

• A two-sample Mendelian randomization study design was employed.
• Genetic instruments for lipids and statin use were derived from large-scale genome-wide association studies.
• Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) data were obtained from the Finngen research project (32,487 cases, 331,736 controls).

Main Results:

• Genetically predicted higher triglyceride levels were associated with an increased risk of SNHL.
• Genetically predicted atorvastatin use was linked to a reduced risk of SNHL.
• Rosuvastatin showed potential in SNHL, though further research is needed; no significant association was found for HDL, LDL, or simvastatin.

Conclusions:

• Elevated blood triglyceride levels represent a potential risk factor for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).
• Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin may offer a protective effect against SNHL, supporting their clinical consideration.
• Genetic evidence supports the link between lipid profiles, statin use, and SNHL risk.