TURKEY/USA – Erectile dysfunction drug Viagra could help reverse ear damage that causes hearing loss. This is according to a new study by American and Turkish scientists.
Hearing loss is a very common problem, especially in old age. It is most often caused by natural aging or long-term exposure to loud noises. This time, researchers focused on a rare type of hereditary hearing loss caused by a mutation in a gene known as CPD – which can be damaged from birth.
A team of scientists from the US and Turkey revealed how this gene affects the inner ear and identified two possible forms of treatment. One of them is Viagra and the other is a popular nutritional supplement. Lead author Rong Grace Zhai of the University of Chicago said: “This study is groundbreaking. We have discovered a new gene mutation associated with hearing loss and at the same time identified a therapeutic target that can alleviate its consequences.” At the same time, the researchers claim that the same mechanism could also apply to normal, age-related hearing loss.
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Permanent hearing damage
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The research started with the discovery of a characteristic combination of mutations in three families from Turkey who suffered from hereditary sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This type of deafness is usually diagnosed in childhood and causes permanent hearing damage. After examining genetic databases, scientists discovered that people with the CPD mutation often lose their hearing very early – and there is not much that medicine can do about it. Only hearing aids or cochlear implants can help, but they cannot treat the disease itself.
The biggest problem occurs in the cells of the inner ear – the so-called hair cells, which are particularly sensitive to the loss of CPD. The researchers then tested the effects of the mutations on fruit flies. Those after the intervention of the gene showed behavior typical of damage to the inner ear – problems with hearing and balance.
Viagra as potential solutions
The team then tested two possible treatments for disrupted CPD pathways:
• L-arginine – a common nutritional supplement that supplements the lost amino acid
• Sildenafil – the active substance of Viagra, which activates pathways associated with nitric oxide
In tests on mice, researchers found that administration of arginine reduced cell death and restored nitric oxide levels. Viagra, in turn, reduced the behavior associated with hearing damage and limited cell death in fruit flies. Although the results are encouraging, experts caution that these are preliminary findings. It is not yet clear whether the same effect will occur in humans.
How do you know if you are losing your hearing?
Hearing loss often develops insidiously. The most common symptoms include:
- unclear hearing of speech, especially in noisy environments
- the compulsion to repeatedly ask people what they said
- the need to increase the volume of the TV or music
- difficulties with telephone calls
- trouble keeping pace in conversation
- fatigue or stress from constant concentration while listening
Often the problem is noticed by those around you rather than yourself.
How many people in the population carry variants of this gene?
The researchers plan to continue with larger studies to find out how many people have CPD gene mutations and whether they affect the risk of hearing loss later in life. “The key question is: how many people in the population carry variants of this gene and do they increase the risk of sensory disorders?” Professor Zhai added.
If the hypothesis is confirmed, it could be a breakthrough in the treatment of various types of hearing loss. In the UK, Viagra is used to treat erectile problems – the drug increases blood flow to the penis. However, scientists warn that excessive use of these pills can also be associated with hearing impairment.
