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Cross-sectional screening for inflammation in tinnitus with near-normal hearing
Lilian M Mennink1, Lina B M Albakri2, Marlien W Aalbers3
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Otorhinolaryngology / Head & Neck Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Inflammation may play a role in tinnitus. This study found lower levels of certain inflammatory markers, like Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), in tinnitus patients without hearing loss or mood disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Tinnitus, the perception of sound without external stimuli, is increasingly linked to inflammation.
- Previous research in animal models showed elevated cytokines and activated glial cells in the auditory pathway.
- Human studies are limited and often fail to control for confounding factors like hearing loss, anxiety, and depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between inflammation and tinnitus in humans with normal hearing and without anxiety or depression.
- To identify specific inflammatory markers that may predict tinnitus presence.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 50 tinnitus patients and 50 healthy controls with normal hearing.
- Participants completed questionnaires and underwent audiometric testing.
- Blood plasma was analyzed for complete blood count and cytokine concentrations (IL-10, IFN-γ) using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Tinnitus participants exhibited lower platelet counts and lower concentrations of IL-10 and IFN-γ compared to controls.
- Male sex, lower mean corpuscular volume (MCV), reduced platelet count, and decreased IL-10 and IFN-γ levels were significant predictors of tinnitus.
- These findings suggest altered inflammatory parameters in tinnitus patients, even after excluding key confounders.
Conclusions:
- Inflammatory markers are significantly altered in individuals with tinnitus, even when controlling for hearing loss, anxiety, and depression.
- Specific cytokines like IL-10 and IFN-γ may be potential biomarkers for tinnitus.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of inflammation in tinnitus pathophysiology.
