The role of immunological factors in the pathophysiology of Meniere's disease (MD) has been hypothesized. In order to evaluate the current level of evidence on autoimmunity in MD, original articles relevant to the matter (1970-2016) were reviewed. The following has been considered to support the theory of autoimmunity in MD (1) the increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases among MD patients, (2) the elevated levels of antibodies and immunocomplexes in MD patients, (3) the association of MD with HLA-types and genetic polymorphisms and (4) the positive corticosteroid-responsiveness detected in some MD patients. However, all studies have been small and lack positive replication. Studies concerning antibodies, HLA types and genetic polymorphisms have produced conflicting results and no single antibody, HLA type or polymorphism has been found in all or even in a significant subpopulation of MD patients. No convincing basic research evidence of autoimmunity in MD exists hence the field needs further study.
Keywords: Antibody; Antigen; Autoimmune disease; HLA-type; Immune system; Meniere’s disease.
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