Analysis of Serum Inflammatory Markers in Infants Under 6 Months of Age with Non-Syndromic Moderate and Severe Hearing Loss Associated with GJB2 Gene Mutations

Abstract

Background:The GJB2 gene is reported to be the main hereditary factor responsible for non-syndromic hearing impairment in infants. Several kinds of hearing loss have been linked to elevated inflammatory markers. This study aimed to evaluate serum levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, a-TNF, and g-IFN and the severity of hearing loss. Material/Methods:Ninety newborns were divided into 3 groups: severe hearing impairment (31 infants), moderate hearing impairment (30 infants), and normal hearing (29 infants). Hearing screening was performed using otoacoustic emissions test. Mutations of the GJB2 gene were detected with Sanger sequencing. The patients had DNFB1 mutation. Seven blood inflammatory markers were tested using Cytometric Bead Array. We performed the t test to examine differences in expression of 7 inflammatory markers between sexes in the groups. The correlation between indicators within groups was studied using the Pearson correlation test. Correlation of different indicators among groups was studied using the Spearman correlation test. Results:When compared among the 3 groups (severe, moderate hearing impairment, and normal hearing group), we found that IL-10 had a positive correlation with the severity of GJB2-associated hearing loss, which was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions:This research aimed to assess the relationship of 7 serum inflammatory markers with GJB2-associated hearing loss in infants. Inflammatory marker IL-10 had a positive correlation with the severity of GJB2-associated infant hearing loss, and it might have the potential to become a future therapeutic target.

Exploring the causal relationship between inflatmmatory factors and sensorineural hearing loss:a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

“…IL 10 is a multicellular source, multifunctional cytokine that regulates cell growth and differentiation and is an in ammatory and immunosuppressive factor involved in in ammatory and immune responses. Zhang through the hearing screening of 90 newborns with GJB2 gene related hearing loss, found IL 10 and GJB2 related hearing severity, 19 but Haider results showed that IL 10 was signi cantly changed in tinnitus, but not in hearing loss. 20 Our MR analysis found that increased IL 10 levels are associated with increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss, and more evidence-based data are needed.…”