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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
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Serum and Plasma miRNA Expression Levels in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Desmond A Nunez1,2,3, Reyhaneh Abgoon1,2, Printha Wijesinghe1,2,4
1Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 13, 2025
Summary
This study found no significant differences in microRNA (miRNA) expression levels between serum and plasma in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Both bodily fluids are equally suitable for identifying potential SSNHL biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an idiopathic disorder with identified differential microRNA (miRNA) expressions in acute serum.
- miRNAs are found in both serum and plasma, but their comparative utility in reflecting inner ear disease changes is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum and plasma miRNA expression levels in adult patients with SSNHL.
- To determine the optimal biofluid for investigating miRNA biomarkers for SSNHL.
Main Methods:
- Total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed from serum and plasma samples of 17 SSNHL patients.
- Quantitative real-time PCR was used to analyze miRNA expression levels, with hsa-miR-191-5p as the normalization control.
- Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed for statistical analysis of miRNA expression differences.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in the expression levels of specific miRNAs (miR-128-3p, miR-132-3p, miR-375-3p, miR-590-5p, miR-30a-3p, miR-140-3p, miR-186-5p, and miR-195-5p) between serum and plasma.
- The delta Ct method was used to calculate miRNA expression levels.
Conclusions:
- Both plasma and serum are equally suitable for the investigation of potential miRNA biomarkers associated with SSNHL.
- This finding supports the use of either biofluid in future research for SSNHL diagnostics or prognostics.
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