Naumenko OM, Tarasenko MV, Konovalov SE
Analysis of the relationship between prestin protein levels and hearing impairment due to acoustic trauma: a systematic review
ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRESTIN PROTEIN LEVELS AND HEARING IMPAIRMENT DUE TO ACOUSTIC TRAUMA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Naumenko OM, Tarasenko MV, Konovalov SE
Bogomolets National Medical University
E-mail: naumenko16t@ukr.net
Abstract
Introduction: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common forms of sensorineural hearing loss, resulting from prolonged exposure to high-intensity sounds. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 16% of adult hearing loss cases are caused by excessive noise exposure. Despite NIHL being widespread, its early diagnosis remains challenging due to the lack of sensitive and specific biomarkers for detecting the initial stages of auditory system damage. In recent years, there has been growing interest in biological markers that may aid in the early detection of NIHL. One such marker is prestin.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a scoping review using meta-analysis in accordance with PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews). A systematic search was performed in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases using the keywords: “Prestin”, “Noise-Induced Hearing Loss”, “Outer Hair Cells”, “Biomarker”.
Conclusions: Blood prestin levels have been identified as a reliable biomarker of noise-induced hearing loss. A positive correlation was found between noise exposure and blood prestin concentration, confirming its sensitivity to acoustic load. The use of prestin as a NIHL biomarker may facilitate the early diagnosis of auditory system damage, opening prospects for its implementation in clinical practice.
Keywords: prestin, sensorineural hearing loss, hearing impairment, inner ear, diagnosis.