Along with genetic mutations, aberrant epigenetic alterations are the initiators of head and neck cancer carcinogenesis. Currently, several drugs are being developed to correct these epigenetic alterations, known as epidrugs. Some compounds with an antioxidant effect have been shown to be effective in preventing these malignant lesions and in minimizing the complications derived from cytotoxic treatment. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies show a promising role in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This is the case of supplements with DNA methylation inhibitory function (DNMTi), such as epigallocatechin gallate, sulforaphane, and folic acid; histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), such as sodium butyrate and melatonin or histone acetyltransferase inhibitors (HATi), such as curcumin. The objective of this review is to describe the role of some antioxidants and their epigenetic mechanism of action, with special emphasis on melatonin and butyric acid given their organic production, in the prevention and treatment of HNSCC.

The genesis of the Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) seems to be related to some metabolic factors. These factors, such as vitamin D, glucocorticoids, and even thyroid and growth hormones, can affect bone metabolism and the mineralization of otoconia. It also seems to link to factors related to aging or nutritional habits. Besides, since the incidence of BPPV is quantitatively higher in women than in men, female sex steroids could be associated with this process. It could be useful to understand how these factors act in otoconial mineralization if we want to develop treatments aimed at preventing or delaying BPPV recurrences. In this review, we will analyze the role of these metabolic and hormonal factors in otoconial mineralization and in the treatment of BPPV.

Dysarthria refers to a speech disorder, caused by neuromuscular impairment, which results in disturbances in motor control of the speech mechanism. 9 The demyelinating lesions caused by multiple sclerosis may result in spasticity, weakness, slowness, and/or ataxic incoordination of the lips, tongue, mandible, soft palate, vocal cords, and diaphragm. Therefore, articulation, speaking rate, intelligibility, and natural flow of speech in conversation are the areas most likely to be affected in those with multiple sclerosis. Dysphonia, which refers to a voice disorder, often accompanies dysarthria because the same muscles, structures, and neural pathways are used for both speech and voice production. Therefore, voice quality, nasal resonance, pitch control, loudness, and emphasis may also be affected in those with MS. 1 coMMoN featureS of DySarthria iN MS Dysarthria is considered the most common communication disorder in those with MS. 10 It is typically mild, with severity of dysarthria symptoms related to neurological involvement.

Neonatal hearing loss is one of the most common anomalies and is frequently associated with delivery problems. The effects of growth hormone (GH) on brain regeneration after an injury are well known. This paper looks at a male child diagnosed with cerebral palsy, psychomotor affectation, left spastic hemiparesis, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss after fetal distress due to ruptured membranes before the delivery of more than 30 hours of evolution and several episodes of severe hypoglycemia. From 3.5 months of age, we treated him with GH (0.04 mg/kg/day), Melatonin (5 mg/day and 6 months later 10 mg/day) and rehabilitation, for a period of 14 months; at discharge, the child fully recovered all the disabilities produced by his cerebral palsy, including normal hearing; GMFM-88 increased from 7.84% to 48.23%; Battelle scores increased from 2 to 9 after 7 months of treatment, and to 30, 1 year after discharge. Most likely hearing loss was recovered due to the effect of GH on the production of hair cells from stem cells (only present in very young children) in the cochlear sensory epithelium. This is the first case of recovery of hearing loss in humans after GH administration. Moreover, GH administration is useful and safe for early treatment of cerebral palsy.

The purpose of this review is to summarize the advances and discoveries in the potential treatment with hormone analogs and some challenges still pending, beyond the classic treatment with corticosteroids. We conduct a review of the functions of hormones on hearing, in human and animal models, the presence of their most relevant receptors, and the desirable and undesirable effects for their therapeutic uses. Different hormones play a regulatory role in the development and maintenance of hearing. Hormone receptors in the ear have been identified over the years, which can be a support to use them as new therapeutic targets Moreover, their mediators, that include cells, neurotrophic factors, or other hormones, could be also useful for treating various hearing impairments The use of synthetic analogs could exert a therapeutic effect on hearing. Hormone therapy, in fact, can contribute positively to the treatment and prevention of various auditory pathologies, through the regeneration or protection. Considering that an optimal result has to be a garantee, it is a must to know their unwanted effects and contraindications. The use of hormones may protect, regenerate, and modulate multiple pathological conditions of the ear, but it would be necessary to standardize drug dosages, find alternative routes, and conduct prospective studies in humans.