Metabolomic profiling reveals potential biomarkers for sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

BACKGROUND

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a prevalent ear disorder requiring acute intervention, characterized by unclear etiology and challenging therapeutic interventions. This study aims to identify potential biomarkers for sudden sensorineural hearing loss through metabolomic profiling.

METHODS

We analyzed metabolomic data samples from a database associated with sensorineural hearing loss. Metabolomic analysis identified significantly differential metabolites in reversed-phase liquid chromatography and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography modes. We further validated abnormal metabolites using plasma samples from 51 sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients and 26 healthy controls in the case-control study.

RESULTS

Metabolomic analysis revealed 75 and 76 significantly differential metabolites in reversed-phase liquid chromatography and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography modes, respectively. Integrating metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses, we validated four abnormal metabolites-triglyceride, lipase, S-adenosyl methionine, and cholesterol-in our cohort. In the serum of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss, the contents of triglyceride, lipase, S-adenosyl methionine, and cholesterol were significantly increased. These metabolites demonstrated significant discriminatory potential in distinguishing sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients from healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings underscore the promising utility of metabolomic profiling as a valuable approach for identifying potential biomarkers and unraveling the underlying mechanisms of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.