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Updated: Jan 14, 2026
Behavioral Assessment of the Aging Mouse Vestibular System
Published on: July 11, 2014
High-fat diet attenuates vestibular and auditory dysfunction in aged mice via macrophage-mediated anti-inflammatory
Jing Ke1, Yiting Liu2, Ting Yang3
1Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China; Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chongqing Hospital, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (SCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China; Chongqing School, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (SCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China.
Objective:
The purpose of this research was to explore how a high-fat diet (HFD) influences vestibular impairment and hearing deterioration associated with aging, to lay the groundwork for comprehending their underlying physiological processes, and to create innovative treatment strategies.
Methods:
Clinical data analysis revealed correlations between lipid levels and age-related decline of auditory and vestibular functions. Older C57BL/6 J mice were divided into two groups: one receiving a HFD (60 % fat) and a control group, for a duration of three months. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) was utilized to evaluate hearing capabilities, while vestibular performance was assessed using open-field and rotarod assessments. Immunofluorescence staining was performed on cochlear basilar membranes and vestibular utricles to quantify hair cells and macrophage markers (F4/80, CD206).
Results:
The research indicated that a HFD slowed down the deterioration of both vestibular and auditory functions in older mice. Results from field tests revealed that mice on the HFD experienced less vestibular function loss compared to those in the control group. Additionally, auditory brainstem response (ABR) assessments demonstrated that the HFD group exhibited significantly milder hearing impairment, particularly within the lower intermediate frequency range (e.g., 4 kHz), than the control group. When comparing the two groups, there was a higher survival rate of hair cells in both the vestibular utricle and cochlea in the HFD group. Immunofluorescence analysis of F4/80 and CD206 indicated that an increase in M2-like anti-inflammatory macrophages provided a protective effect on hair cells.
Conclusions:
HFD mitigates age-related auditory and vestibular impairments by utilizing macrophage-driven anti-inflammatory processes, potentially through polarization towards an M2 phenotype. This research offers fresh perspectives for creating specific treatments, indicating the variable therapeutic possibilities of dietary adjustments in age-related cellular damage. However, the potential metabolic consequences of HFD warrant careful consideration.
