Association between Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Gene Variation and Response to Glucocorticoid Treatment in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Several lines of evidence suggest the role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mediates its role in various immune and inflammatory conditions by the regulation of immune reactions. Several studies have confirmed an association between MIF gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the MIF (-173 G/C) polymorphism (rs755622) and SSNHL in an Iranian population. In this case-control association study, SSNHL cases (n = 77) were included. Normal healthy subjects (n = 100) were also recruited from the same region. Genotyping for MIF (-173 G/C) polymorphism was carried out using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. The frequency of the MIF -173 C allele carriers (GC + CC genotype) was significantly elevated in SSNHL patients who responded to glucocorticoid treatment compared with the patients with no response to treatment. These results suggest that the MIF gene polymorphism is associated with a response to glucocorticoid treatment in patients with SSNHL.

A study of efficacy of Nigella sativa in treatment of Meniere's disease: A randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial.

Purpose: Meniere's disease (MD), first introduced by Prosper Meniere, is characterized mainly by vertigo, tinnitus, aural fullness and sensorineural hearing loss. Though the exact pathophysiology of MD is unknown, immunologic and inflammatory interactions are possible underlying mechanisms involved in MD. This study is aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect of Nigella sativa on MD as a therapeutic agent. Methods: We divided 40 patients with definite MD into two groups of 20 cases. The study group received 1 g of Nigella sativa oil daily for three months and the control group received a placebo. Changes in hearing, tinnitus and vertigo were estimated by pure tone audiometry, tinnitus handicap inventory questionnaire and dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire, respectively. Results: At the end of the study we did not observe any significant improvement in study's group hearing threshold, tinnitus and vertigo compared to the control group. Conclusions: In this study, statistical analysis showed that Nigella sativa failed to improve signs and symptoms of MD. However, further investigations with a larger study population are needed to ascertain the current conclusion.