Recent Advancements in Gene and Stem Cell‐Based Treatment Modalities: Potential Implications in Noise‐Induced Hearing Loss

Abstract

Noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL) poses a significant burden on not only the economics of health care but also the quality of life of an individual, as we approach an unprecedented age of longevity. In this article, we will delineate the current landscape of management of NIHL. We discuss the most recent results from in vitro and in vivo studies that determine the effectiveness of established pharmacotherapy such as corticosteroid and potential emerging therapies like N‐acetyl cysteine and neurotrophins (NTs), as well as highlight ongoing clinical trials for these therapeutic agents. We present an overview of how the recent advancements in the field of gene‐based and stem cell‐based therapies can help in developing effective therapeutic strategies for NIHL. Gene‐based therapies have shown exciting results demonstrating cochlear cellular regeneration using Atoh1, NRF2 as well as NT gene therapy employing viral vectors. In addition, we will discuss the recent advancements in genome‐editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, and its potential role in NIHL therapy. We will further discuss the current state of stem cell therapy as it pertains to treating neurodegenerative conditions including NIHL. Embryonic stem cells, adult‐derived stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells all represent an enticing reservoir of replacing damaged cells as a result of NIHL. Finally, we will discuss the barriers that need to be overcome to translate these promising treatment modalities to the clinical practice in pursuit of improving quality of life of patients having NIHL. Anat Rec, 303:516–526, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery in the inner ear: current challenges, limitations and opportunities

“…It is estimated that over 5% of the world's population experiences disabling hearing loss, with over 20% of people experiencing some form of mild or unilateral hearing loss [1]. Presbycusis, inner ear infection, Meniere's disease, noise-induced hearing loss, autoimmune hearing loss, genetic diseases and hearing loss from ototoxic substances are examples of pathologies leading to sensorineural hearing loss [2][3][4][5][6]. Most causes of sensorineural hearing loss are irreversible, and symptoms of deafness are managed by assistive devices such as hearing aids or cochlear implants (CIs) [7,8].…”

Progressive Dominant Hearing Loss (Autosomal Dominant Deafness‐41) and P2RX2 Gene Mutations: A Phenotype–Genotype Study

“…Sensorineural hearing loss remains the most common type of hearing loss. In adults, two of the main contributing factors to this hearing loss are age (presbycusis) and noise exposure . NIHL is a leading cause of sensory disability, despite the accelerating awareness of the hazards of sustained exposure to high‐level environmental and recreational sound in society.…”

Genetic association study between TAB2 polymorphisms and noise-induced-hearing-loss in a Han Chinese population

“…It is no wonder that many researchers spend lots of effort on genetic polymorphisms of hearing loss and doctors place an emphasis on the genetic therapy of NIHL [ 12 ]. As gene-based therapies have made progress in medicine, it is encouraged to conduct a related study associated with TAB2 and hearing loss [ 13 , 14 ]. Besides, researching on genetic polymorphisms is favorable to construct genetic risk prediction models in the aimed population [ 15 ].…”