Blood levels of TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-12 in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract

Objectives/hypothesis: To investigate the blood levels of TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-12 in the idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients, and the change of these cytokine levels after treatment.

Study design: Prospective clinical trial.

Methods: Twenty-three patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and 20 healthy people were selected as study and control groups. Blood samples for TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-12 were taken before treatment and 6 weeks after treatment. The study group was given combined treatment including dexamethasone, heparin, pentoxifyline, vitamin B1, and B6 for 10 days, and was divided into two groups: treatment responders and treatment nonresponders. The treatment responders group was also divided into three groups according to most accepted criteria for improvement in the literature. Audiograms were taken before treatment and 6 weeks after treatment to determine the response to the treatment.

Results: There was no significant difference between pre- and posttreatment values of IL-10 and IL-12 in all study groups (P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference between pre- and posttreatment values of TNF-α in treatment responders (P > 0.05). Treatment nonresponders had more elevated posttreatment values of TNF-α than pretreatment values (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: IL-10 and IL-12 may not play a critical role in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. But our data supports the role of TNF-α in the pathophysiology of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and TNF-α receptor blockers may have benefits in these patients.