Endothelial progenitor cells in patients with age-related hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to determine the concentration of EPCs in patients with ARHL.

METHODS

Twenty patients with ARHL were evaluated. The number of EPCs was analyzed by flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood CD34(+)/CD133(+) cells.

RESULTS

The concentration of circulating EPCs, both for CD34(+)/CD133(+) cells, was significantly lower in ARHL patients compared to controls (P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between these two groups in terms of the level of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides and GLU.

CONCLUSIONS

The possible role of circulating epithelial progenitor cells in the pathogenesis of age related hearing loss should be considered based on their significant reduction in patients with ARHL, although the association alone does not prove causality. Further studies were warranted to confirm the role of circulating EPCs in the pathogenesis of ARHL.