Safety and efficacy of preauricular fistulectomy with fascia-anchoring suture technique: A large case series.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the safety and efficacy of preauricular fistulectomy with fascia-anchoring suture technique through large case series. In addition, differences in surgical outcomes according to preoperative status and age were investigated. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 380 patients (450 ears) with preauricular fistula (PAF) who underwent preauricular fistulectomy with fascia-anchoring suture technique by a single surgeon (E.P) were enrolled. Patients were divided into fresh, previous incision and drainage (I&D), and the revision surgery groups according to the preoperative status. Additionally, they were divided into adult and pediatric groups according to age. Patient's demographics, postoperative infections, and recurrence rates were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 28.3 years, and there were 119 males and 261 females. Out of 450 PAFs (n = 281 in the fresh groups, n = 119 in the previous I&D groups, and n = 50 in the revision groups), 21 (4.7 %) cases had postoperative infections and 12 (2.7 %) cases had recurrence. There was no difference in postoperative infections, regardless of the preoperative condition (I&D group, p = 0.701; revision group, p = 0.658). The recurrence rate was higher in the revision group than in the fresh and I&D groups (p = 0.004). There was no significant difference in postoperative infection (p = 0.221) or recurrence (p = 0.161) between adults and children. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that performing preauricular fistulectomy with a fascia-anchoring suture technique led to low rates of postoperative infections and recurrences. These positive outcomes were consistent across different patient groups categorized by preoperative status and age, indicating the technique's safety and effectiveness for all patients with preauricular fistulas.

Clinical analysis of seborrheic keratoses in the ear: a retrospective study and literature review.

The pathogenesis of a seborrheic keratosis has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we reviewed the literature to increase the awareness of this disease among otolaryngologists and to stress the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment. This was a retrospective study in seven patients presenting with seborrheic keratoses in the ear. We included only those patients in whom keratoses were confirmed by pathology after a complete excision. In six patients, seborrheic keratoses were observed in the external auditory canal, and in one patient, they were observed in the auricle. The subtype of keratoses was classified as acanthotic in six patients; one patient had an unclassified type associated with basal cell carcinoma. Seborrheic keratoses are benign skin tumors; however, the lesions can recur after removal. Moreover, an association between seborrheic keratoses and malignant skin tumors has been reported. Therefore, otolaryngologists should consider a complete removal and histological examination of seborrheic keratoses.

Protective role of NecroX-5 against neomycin-induced hair cell damage in zebrafish.

NecroX-5, one of the derivatives of NecroX series compounds, is a mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species scavenger that inhibits cell death against various kinds of oxidative stresses. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of NecroX-5 on neomycin-induced ototoxicity in transgenic zebrafish (Brn3C: EGFP). Five days post-fertilization, zebrafish larvae were exposed to 125 µM neomycin and one of the following NecroX-5 concentrations for 1 h: 10, 25, 50, and 75 µM. Hair cells within the neuromasts of the supraorbital (SO1 and SO2), otic (O1), and occipital (OC1) lateral lines were analyzed using fluorescence microscopy (n = 10). The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and 2-[4-(dimethylamino) styryl]-N-ethylpyridiniumiodide (DASPEI) assay were performed for evaluation of apoptosis and mitochondrial damage. Ultrastructural changes were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. NecroX-5 decreased neomycin-induced hair cell loss in the neuromasts (NecroX-5 50 µM: 13.4 ± 2.0 cells, 125 µM neomycin only: 8.1 ± 1.2 cells; n = 10, P < 0.05) and decreased the TUNEL reaction. The ultrastructural analysis showed that the structures of mitochondria and hair cells within the neuromasts were preserved in zebrafish exposed to 125 µM neomycin and 50 µM NecroX-5. NecroX-5 decreased apoptosis and mitochondrial damage. In conclusion, NecroX-5 attenuated neomycin-induced hair cell loss in zebrafish.

Protective role of edaravone against neomycin-induced ototoxicity in zebrafish.

Aminoglycosides such as neomycin are one of the most commonly prescribed types of antibiotics worldwide. However, these drugs appear to generate free radicals within the inner ear, which can result in permanent hearing loss. We evaluated the effects of edaravone, a neuroprotective agent, on neomycin-induced ototoxicity in transgenic zebrafish. The 5-day post fertilization (dpf) zebrafish larvae were exposed to 125 µM neomycin and various concentrations of edaravone for 1 h. Hair cell survival was calculated as average numbers of the hair cells in the control group, which was not exposed to neomycin. Ultrastructural changes were evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Edaravone protected against neomycin-induced hair cell loss in the neuromasts (1000 µM: 11.6 ± 1.1 cells, neomycin only: 5.5 ± 0.5 cells; n = 10, P<0.05) and decreased the TUNEL reaction for detecting apoptosis. In ultrastructural analysis, structures of mitochondria and hair cells within neuromasts were preserved in zebrafish exposed to 125 µM neomycin and 1000 µM edaravone for 1 h. Edaravone protected against neomycin-induced hair cell loss by preventing apoptosis.

Protective effects of apocynin on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in an auditory cell line and in zebrafish.

Cisplatin is a very effective anticancer drug and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide anions that can deplete antioxidant protective molecules in the cochlea. These processes result in the death of cochlear hair cells by induction of apoptosis. Apocynin, which is used as a specific nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase inhibitor, has a preventive effect for intracellular ROS generation. In this study, the effect of apocynin was investigated in a cochlear organ of Corti-derived cell line, HEI-OC1 cells, and in transgenic zebrafish (Brn3C: EGFP). To investigate the protective effects of apocynin, HEI-OC1 cells were treated with various concentrations of apocynin and a 20 µm concentration of cisplatin, simultaneously. An in vivo study of transgenic zebrafish (Brn3C: EGFP) was used to investigate the protective effects of apocynin on cisplatin-induced hair cell death. In an in vitro study, apocynin appeared to protect against cisplatin-induced apoptotic features on Hoechst 33258 staining in the HEI-OC1 cells. Treatment of the HEI-OC1 cells with 100 µm of apocynin, significantly decreased caspase-3 activity. Treatment of the cells with a 100 µm concentration of apocynin and a 20 µm concentration of cisplatin significantly decreased the intracellular ROS production. In the in vivo study, apocynin significantly decreased the TUNEL reaction and prevented cisplatin-induced hair cell loss of the neuromasts in the transgenic zebrafish at low concentrations (125 and 250 µm). These findings suggest that apocynin has antioxidative effects and prevents cisplatin-induced apoptotic cell death in HEI-OC1 cells as well as in zebrafish.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester inhibits diesel exhaust particle-induced inflammation of human middle ear epithelial cells via NOX4 inhibition.

OBJECTIVES: Otitis media is one of the most common diseases in pediatric populations. Recent research on its pathogenesis has focused on air pollution. Chronic exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with the impairment of middle ear function. However, the mechanisms and the underlying inhibitory pathways, especially in the human middle ear, remain unknown. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a biologically active ingredient of propolis, a product of honeybee hives, which has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of CAPE on diesel exhaust particle (DEP)-induced inflammation of human middle ear epithelial cells and to determine the underlying pathway of the action of CAPE. METHODS: The inflammatory damage caused by DEPs and the anti-inflammatory effects of CAPE were determined by measuring the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) 4 with real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The oxidative stress induced by DEPs and the anti-oxidative effects of CAPE were directly evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species production by use of flow cytometric analysis of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. The effects of CAPE were compared with those of N-acetyl-L-cysteine, which has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. RESULTS: Use of CAPE significantly inhibited DEP-induced up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha and NOX4 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species induced by DEPs was decreased by pretreatment with CAPE. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of CAPE were similar to those of N-acetyl-L-cysteine. CONCLUSIONS: The inflammation induced by DEP is reduced by CAPE via the inhibition of NOX4 expression. These findings suggest that CAPE might be used as a therapeutic agent against DEP-induced inflammation of human middle ear epithelial cells.

Expression of Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1) in human cholesteatoma.

Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1) is a 21-kDa signaling G protein that functions as a pleiotropic regulator of many cellular processes including epithelial differentiation. RAC1 activates the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase complex which promotes formation of reactive oxygen species and degradation enzymes. RAC1 has been associated with rapid epithelial differentiation and invasive properties in human cholesteatoma. This study aimed to identify the presence of RAC1 in human cholesteatoma and analyze its functional role as a regulator of proteolysis and overgrowth. Tissue samples from human cholesteatoma and normal postaural skin were obtained from patients during otologic surgery for cholesteatoma. The expression of RAC1 mRNA was quantified by real-time RT-PCR, and localization of RAC1 expression was confirmed using immunohistochemical staining. Expression of RAC1 mRNA in the epithelium of cholesteatoma was significantly elevated 2.94 fold on average, compared with normal control skin. RAC1 expression in the suprabasal and basal layer of cholesteatoma epithelium was stronger than normal control skin. Our results suggest that RAC1 can be associated with rapid epithelial differentiation and invasive properties of human cholesteatoma.

Improved Prediction of Hearing Loss after Temporal Bone Fracture by Applying a Detailed Classification for Otic Capsule-Violating Fracture: A Wide Scope Analysis with Large Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to analyze the predictability of temporal bone (TB) fracture-associated hearing loss by applying a detailed classification separating individual injury of the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals (SCC). METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients with otic capsule-violating (OCV) fractures were further classified as OCV-C(VS) when the cochlea was involved regardless of vestibule or SCC involvement, OCV-V(S) when the vestibule was involved regardless of SCC involvement, and OCV-S when the fracture only involved SCC. Hearing changes were compared by applying the above-mentioned classification, and TB fracture-induced facial palsy was also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients were included. Patients with OCV fractures had significantly worse bone conduction (BC) and air conduction (AC) thresholds (59.1 ± 25.3 and 87.0 ± 29.5 dB) than those with otic capsule-sparing (OCS) fractures (20.1 ± 17.9 and 36.5 ± 21.9 dB; p < 0.001 for each comparison). The BC and the AC thresholds of OCV-C(VS) (77.5 ± 11.0 and 114.2 ± 14.3 dB) and OCV-V(S) (69.3 ± 27.7 and 98.0 ± 22.2 dB) were significantly higher than OCV-S (40.1 ± 22.9 and 62.1 ± 25.6 dB; p < 0.001 for each comparison). The BC hearing thresholds were not significantly improved in the last pure tone audiometry when compared for total, OCV, or OCS cases. The AC threshold significantly improved in OCS cases. In a considerable number of cases with facial palsy, causative fracture lines involved the geniculate ganglion or tympanic segment without the involvement of the otic capsule. Most cases showed significant improvement; however, recovery was limited in cases with obvious fallopian canal disruption. CONCLUSIONS: The cases with sole involvement of SCC had significantly better hearing thresholds than those with cochlear or vestibule involvement, even in OCV fracture cases.

Dynamic Range and Neural Response Threshold in Cochlear Implant Mapping Can Be Useful in Predicting Prognosis Related to Postoperative Speech Perception.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze mapping changes in dynamic range (DR) and neural response threshold (NRT) as prognostic factors for cochlear implant (CI). To analyze whether postoperative speech perception performance could be predicted using DR change and initial NRT. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The speech comprehension data of 33 patients with CI were retrospectively analyzed after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of device use. All subjects were adult, postlingually hearing-impaired, and Cochlear Nucleus CI users. Speech perception performance was evaluated using aided pure tone audiometry, consonant, vowel, one-word, two-word, and sentence tests. RESULTS: The averages of initial NRT and DR changes were 197.8±25.9 CU (104-236) and 22.2±18.4 CU (-15-79), respectively. The initial DR was 40.8±16.6 CU. The postoperative DR was 50.3±16.4 CU at 3 months, 58±12.3 CU at 6 months, and 62.9±10.4 CU at 12 months. A gradual increase of DR was observed during the first year of CI. Compared with the initial DR, significant increases in DR were observed at 3 (p<0.05), 6 (p<0.001), and 12 (p<0.001) months. Compared with initial speech performance outcomes, a significant gain in all performance outcomes was achieved at 12 months (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low NRT after CI surgery could initially set DR to a wider range and had better final speech perception outcomes. Conversely, patients with high NRT after CI surgery had to set up a gradual increase in DR while adjusting the T-C level, and the final speech perception outcomes were worse. DR and NRT, the main CI mapping variables, can help predict prognosis related to speech perception outcomes after CI surgery. In conclusion, the post-CI speech perception is better with a lower initial NRT, wider final DR, or younger age.

Gene profiles during vestibular compensation in rats after unilateral labyrinthectomy.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine changes in gene expression in the chronic state of vestibular compensation by microarray analysis and to validate the asymmetrical levels of gene expression in the ipsilateral and contralateral vestibular nucleus complexes (VNCs). METHODS: Microarray analysis was used to examine the expression of genes up-regulated or down-regulated in the ipsilateral VNC at 1 and 7 days after unilateral labyrinthectomy. Up-regulated or down-regulated gene expression in the ipsilateral and contralateral VNCs was then validated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction at 1, 7, 14, and 28 days after labyrinthectomy. RESULTS: The genes down-regulated at 1 day after labyrinthectomy and up-regulated at 7 days after labyrinthectomy as determined by microarray analysis and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were zinc finger protein 307, zinc metallopeptidase, P34, calcitonin receptor, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5, GATA binding protein 3, and CD151. Expression of zinc finger protein 307, zinc metallopeptidase, P34, and calcitonin receptor was up-regulated even after 7 days in the contralateral VNC of rats that had labyrinthectomy. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated changes in gene expression in rats during the chronic phase of vestibular compensation after unilateral labyrinthectomy and provided profiles of these changes in gene expression.

Candidates for tumor markers of cervical cancer discovered by proteomic analysis.

Cervical cancer is the second most common gynecological cancer among Korean women. While nationwide screening program has developed, the pathogenesis of cervical cancer is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the protein expression profiles between cervical squamous carcinomas and normal cervical tissues in order to identify proteins that are related to the cancer. Three cervical cancer tissue samples and three normal cervical tissue samples were obtained and protein expression was compared and was identified in the samples with the use of matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). A total of 20 proteins that showed up-regulated expression in the cervical cancer tissue samples were selected and identified. Seven proteins were matched to allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF-1), actine-like protein 2 (ALP2), brain type fatty acid-binding protein (B-FABP), NCK adaptor protein 1 (NCK-1), islet cell autoantigen 1 (ICA69), cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1), and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), but the remaining 13 proteins were unidentifiable. After confirmation by RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, we found that B-FABP, NCK-1, and CDK4 were related to the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. These proteins are suggested as candidates of new pathological tumor markers for cervical cancer.

Dilute vinegar therapy for the management of spontaneous external auditory canal cholesteatoma.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of conservative dilute vinegar therapy in the management of spontaneous external auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC). From 2000 to 2007, 19 patients presented to our clinic with spontaneous EACC. EACC was divided into four grades based on the temporal bone computed tomography: grade I with flattening of bony external canal, grade II with partial destruction of inferior bony canal, grade III with total destruction of inferior bony canal and grade IV with bony destruction into the middle ear and mastoid cavity. Clinical findings and treatment results were recorded. Microscopic local cleansing and dilute vinegar therapy was conducted in the ears with grades I, II and III. Combined mastoid surgery and dilute vinegar therapy was conducted in four ears with stage IV. There were no recurrences after average of 31 months follow-up. Spontaneous EACC can be effectively controlled with dilute vinegar therapy after microscopic local cleansing. However, surgery must be considered in the cases which have involved the mastoid and middle ear. Dilute vinegar therapy in combination with microscopic local cleansing was effective in the management of spontaneous EACC. Dilute vinegar therapy is an easy, cost-effective, and home-based cleansing method to prevent EACC and promotes healing. However, long-term follow-up may reveal frequent recurrence of cholesteatoma debris and involvement of middle ear or mastoid cavity, and then meticulous debridement with skin graft or surgical intervention should be considered.

Protective Effect of Agmatine Against Cisplatin- Induced Cellular Apoptosis in an Auditory Cell Line.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to evaluate the protective effects of agmatine against cisplatin-induced cellular apoptosis in an audi- tory cell line and to prove the protective mechanism of agmatine. METHODS: The House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 cells were co-treated with agmatine at different concentrations and 15 µM of cisplatin for 48 hours. Cell viability and proliferation were measured. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate /propidium iodide staining was performed to analyze apoptosis. The levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species were measured using flow cytometry. The expression of BCL2-associated X protein and the enzymatic activity of caspase-3 was measured to examine the pathway of apoptosis induction. RESULTS: In normal conditions, the maximal protective effect occurred with 10 mM of agmatine. However, in the presence of cisplatin, the maximal protective effect was observed from 8 mM of agmatine. Thus, 8 mM was chosen as the ideal agmatine concentration for the analysis of protective effects against cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity. Agmatine exerted a significant protective effect against 15 µM of cisplatin when applied for 48 hours and reduced the proportion of necrotic and late apoptotic cells. Agmatine did not significantly reduce the cisplatin-induced increase in reactive oxygen species but decreased the expression of BCL2-associated X protein and the activity of caspase-3. CONCLUSION: Agmatine protected against cisplatin-induced cellular apoptosis in an auditory cell line. These effects were mediated by the pro- tection of mitochondrial function and inhibition of apoptosis.

Effects of Glycemic Control on Hearing Outcomes in Diabetes Patients With Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the effects of glycemic control on the hearing outcomes of type 2 diabetes patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL). METHODS: Type 2 diabetes patients with ISSHL were enrolled. All patients were admitted for 5 days and received systemic corticosteroid treatment. Patients were divided into groups according to their degree of glycemic control pre- (glycosylated hemoglobin) and post- (mean blood glucose) onset of ISSHL. Demographic, audiometric, and hearing outcome data were analyzed. Furthermore, a multivariate analysis was performed to determine the prognostic factors affecting the hearing outcomes in these patients. RESULTS: One hundred forty-four patients were enrolled. The hearing recovery rates were as follows: complete recovery, 19%; partial recovery, 15%; slight improvement, 22%; and no improvement, 44%. Initial hearing levels and diabetes duration were significantly higher in the pre-onset poor-controlled group (glycosylated hemoglobin ≥ 7.0%) than those in the well-controlled group. The hearing recovery rates did not differ significantly pre- or post-onset. In a multivariate analysis, duration from hearing loss onset to treatment, presence of vertigo, and initial hearing level were negative prognostic factors that affected hearing recovery. CONCLUSION: The degree of pre- or post-onset glycemic control did not affect hearing outcomes in patients with ISSHL and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the administration of systemic corticosteroid is required for diabetes patients with ISSHL within allowable blood glucose levels.

Exploratory fall risk and preventive intervention in acute vestibular neuritis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze recovery from dizziness in patients with acute vestibular neuritis (AVN) after applying the "Dizziness & Fall Risk Assessment and Intervention (DFRAI)". METHODS: This prospective study involved patients with AVN who underwent a survey of dizziness and fall risk. The patients received medical treatment and customized vestibular rehabilitation, and vestibular function was evaluated at the initial attack and 3 months later. RESULTS: Forty-one patients underwent subjective questionnaire assessments, which showed significant improvement in visual analog scale-dizziness handicap inventory-fear of falling (VAS-DHI-FOF) results from the initial vertigo attack to 3 months later. In the sensory organization test (SOT), the initial composite score was 63 ± 13.1, which improved to 77.5 ± 4.9 3 months later. In caloric testing, the canal paresis (CP) score was 42.9 ± 35.2, which improved to 29.9 ± 23.5 3 months later. CONCLUSIONS: Subjective improvement in dizziness and objective recovery of vestibular function were confirmed. DFRAI is a comprehensive solution for dizziness, and appropriate application of the DFRAI is expected to have a positive effect on recovery from dizziness and fall prevention in patients with AVN.

Evidence of Cochlear Synaptopathy and the Effect of Systemic Steroid in Acute Idiopathic Tinnitus With Normal Hearing.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the electrophysiologic evidence of cochlear synaptopathy and the effects of systemic steroids in acute idiopathic tinnitus with normal hearing. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of medical data. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Fifty-nine patients who experienced acute-onset idiopathic tinnitus (within 12 weeks) with normal hearing and the same number of age- and pure-tone threshold-matched control groups. INTERVENTION: Electrophysiologic studies of the auditory pathway, oral steroids, and ginkgo biloba. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pure-tone thresholds, wave I and wave V amplitudes of the auditory brainstem response (ABR), tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), and visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: Significantly reduced ABR wave I amplitude and wave I/wave V ratio were found in the tinnitus group compared with the no tinnitus group. Age and pure-tone threshold were significantly correlated with reduced wave I amplitude and small wave I/wave V ratio. The THI and VAS scores were decreased at 3 and 12 weeks after steroid administration; however, overall changes in THI and VAS scores were not significantly different between the steroid and ginkgo biloba groups. CONCLUSION: Potential cochlear synaptopathy was suspected in the early stage of acute idiopathic tinnitus, even in patients with normal hearing. Age and hearing threshold were potentially associated with the development of cochlear synaptopathy. Low-dose oral steroids and ginkgo biloba induced early subjective relief of tinnitus, which maintained up to 12 weeks, however, those changes did not differ between groups.

Protective effect of Korean red ginseng extract on cisplatin ototoxicity in HEI-OC1 auditory cells.

Ginseng extract is known to have many beneficial effects, including the reversal of pathological and physiological changes induced by ischemia, stress, and aging. Cisplatin, an effective antineoplastic drug, can cause irreversible sensorineural hearing loss and serious tinnitus in humans; thus cisplatin-induced ototoxicity is a useful experimental model for ototoxicity. This study investigated the protective effects of Korean red ginseng extract on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in auditory cells. Pretreatment with 2.5 mg/mL of ginseng extract prior to application of 20 microM of cisplatin significantly increased cell viability after 48 h of incubation in auditory cells. Pretreatment with ginseng extract significantly attenuated the cisplatin-induced increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ginseng extract also inhibited the expression of caspase-3 and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase related to cisplatin-induced apoptosis because a major mechanism of cisplatin-induced toxicity involves ROS production. Thus, Korean red ginseng extract can play both an anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative role on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in an auditory cell line.

Psychiatric Distress as a Common Risk Factor for Tinnitus and Joint Pain: A National Population-Based Survey.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between tinnitus and joint pain from representative samples of Koreans. METHODS: The demographics and the responses to a questionnaire about tinnitus and joint pain severity and mental health status of adults aged ≥50 years in the 2010-2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 9,032 individuals, 26.7% reported experiencing tinnitus within the past year. Participants with tinnitus were more frequently older, hearing loss, and had lower education levels, income, and body weight. Participants with regular exercise and sleep had a lower tinnitus prevalence. The incidences of stress, depressed mood, and suicidal ideation were significantly higher in the tinnitus group and participants with joint pain. The rates of participants with tinnitus according to the number of joint pain sites (zero, one, two, and three) was 22.1%, 31.4%, 33.3%, and 44.2%, and those of participants with severely annoying tinnitus according to the number of joint pain sites (zero, one, two, and three) were 3.3%, 6.8%, 7.9%, and 10.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Tinnitus prevalence and severity were significantly related to joint pain, and both conditions were related to psychiatric distress. Thus, the authors suggest that psychiatric distress as a common risk factor for tinnitus and joint pain should be considered when deciding treatment strategies and in guiding public health policy.

Nationwide Analysis of Mortality Rates and Related Surgical Procedures in Hearing Disability Patients in South Korea.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hearing loss (HL) and its repercussions are major problems in today's society. There are limited data on the relationship between degree of HL and otologic disorders. The aim of this study is to estimate mortality rates, rates of sudden idiopathic HL and related otologic surgical procedures in hearing disability patients in South Korea. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Retrospective medical data for 160,205 patients with hearing disability was extracted. Mortality rates, rates of sudden idiopathic HL and related otologic surgical procedures were compared with a normal control group consisting of 865,475 people; approximately 5 times the number of hearing disability patients. RESULTS: According to the Korean National Disability Registry (NDR), 0.458% of the population in South Korea suffered from hearing disability in 2015. Higher rates of mortality and sudden idiopathic HL were reported in hearing disability patients, increasing up to a maximum of 1.594 times and 1,039.695 times, respectively, compared to the normal control group. Mastoidectomy surgery was 2.5 times more frequently performed and pressure equalizing (PE) tube insertion was about 15 times more frequently performed in hearing disability patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hearing disability is related to higher risks of mortality, sudden idiopathic HL and otologic surgical procedures, including mastoidectomy and PE tubing.

Gene expression profiles of rat olfactory bulb at developmental stage.

Microarray analysis may be a useful tool to identify some candidate genes related to the development of olfactory bulbs. In the present study, gene expression profiles of olfactory bulbs from postnatal day 1 (P1) rats and postnatal day 35 (P35) rats were analyzed by oligonucleotide-microarray and expression levels of some selected genes were also confirmed by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. 9146 genes were commonly identified in six microarray chips. Among these genes, 76 were up-regulated and 130 were down-regulated three-folds or more at P1 olfactory bulbs. Out of these 76 up-regulated genes, 24 genes were annotated based on the NCBI database of reference sequences and expression levels of these 24 genes were confirmed by RT-PCR. Among them, 2 interesting genes (neurogenic differentiation 1 and retinoid acid receptor alpha) were localized in the P1 olfactory bulb by the use of in situ hybridization technique. Our results may provide basic information to identify genes associated with functional growth of olfactory bulbs.