Association between NF-E2-related factor 2 polymorphism and age-related hearing loss in the general Japanese population from the Iwaki health promotion project.

BACKGROUND

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) gene might be associated with several diseases. In the animal models, NRF2 has been reported to be associated with the age-related hearing loss (ARHL). However, the effect of NRF2 SNPs on ARHL in the general population has not been reported.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of NRF2 SNP-617 on ARHL in the general Japanese population.

METHODS

This study included participants from the Iwaki Health Promotion Project. The genotypes of NRF2 SNP-617 were determined via whole-genome sequencing, and the hearing level of the CC homozygote + CA heterozygote carrier group was compared with that of the AA homozygote carrier group.

RESULTS

Among the 306 CC+CA and 31 AA group male subjects, 22 (7.2%) and six (19.4%), respectively, had hearing loss, with a significant difference. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of hearing loss in the male subjects was significantly higher in the AA group than that in the CC+CA group (p = .031, odds ratio = 3.437, 95% confidence interval = 1.116-10.580).

CONCLUSION

The genotypes of NRF2 SNP-617 AA carriers were significantly associated with the development of ARHL among the males aged 30-59 years.