Browsing by Author "Szczepek, Agnieszka J."
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- Evidence for biological markers of tinnitus: a systematic reviewPublication . Haider, Haúla F.; Hoare, Derek J.; Ribeiro, Sara F.; Ribeiro, Diogo; Caria, Helena; Trigueiros, Nuno; Borrego, Luís; Szczepek, Agnieszka J.; Papoila, Ana L.; Elarbed, Asma; Martins, Maria da Luz; Paço, João; Sereda, MagdalenaSubjective tinnitus is a phantom sound heard only by the affected person and may be a symptom of various diseases. Tinnitus diagnosis and monitoring is based on subjective audiometric and psychometric methods. This review aimed to synthesize evidence for tinnitus presence or its severity. We searched several electronic databases, citation searches of the included primary studies through Web of Science, and further hand searches. At least two authors performed all systematic review steps. Sixty-two records were included and were categorized according the biological variable. Evidence for possible tinnitus biomarkers come from oxidative stress, interleukins, steroids and neurotransmitters categories. We found conflicting evidence for full blood count, vitamins, lipid profile, neurotrophic factors, or inorganic ions. There was no evidence for an association between tinnitus and the remaining categories. The current review evidences that larger studies, with stricter exclusion criteria and powerful harmonized methodological design are needed.
- Recommendations on Collecting and Storing Samples for Genetic Studies in Hearing and Tinnitus Research.Publication . Szczepek, Agnieszka J.; Frejo, Lidia; Vona, Bárbara; Trpchevska, Natalia; Cederroth, Christopher R.; Caria, Helena; Lopez-Escamez, Jose A.Objectives: Research on the genetic basis of tinnitus is still in its first steps. A group of scientists dedicated to tinnitus genetics within European Tinnitus Network (TINNET) network recognize that further progress requires multicenter collaborative efforts for defining contributing genes. The purpose of the present work is to provide instructions regarding collection, processing, storage, and shipment of samples intended for genetic studies in auditory research. Design: One part of the recommendations has a general character; another part is of particular importance for auditory healthcare practitioners such as otolaryngology physicians, audiologists, and general practitioners. Results: We provide a set of instructions and various options for obtaining samples. We give advice regarding sample processing, storage, and shipment and define the minimal and essential clinical information that should accompany the samples collected for genetic processing. Conclusions: These recommendations offer a basis to standardize and optimize collaborations between geneticists and healthcare practitioners specialized in tinnitus and hearing disorders.
- Tinnitus, hearing loss and inflammatory processes in an older Portuguese populationPublication . Haider, Haúla F.; Ribeiro, Sara F.; Martins, Catarina; Ribeiro, Diogo; Trigueiros, Nuno; Szczepek, Agnieszka J.; Caria, Helena; Hoare, Derek J.; Paço, João; Borrego, LuísObjective: Tinnitus is associated with various conditions such as presbycusis, infectious, autoimmune and many other diseases. Our study aims to identify an association between inflammatory markers and the presence of tinnitus or hearing loss (HL). Design: Exploratory study including a structured interview, complete ENT observation, audiological and inflammatory markers evaluation. Study Sample: Sixty women and 54 men (55 to 75 years) from the Portuguese population, with or without sensory presbycusis and/or tinnitus. Results: IL10 levels were significantly lower in participants with tinnitus than in those without tinnitus. Moreover, TGF-β was lower in older participants (p = 0.034), IL1α was higher in participants with tonal tinnitus (p = 0.033), and IL2 was lower in participants who reported partial or complete residual inhibition (p = 0.019). Additionally, we observed a negative correlation between tinnitus duration and IL10 levels (r= −.281), and between HSP70 levels and tinnitus loudness (r= −.377). TNF-α and HSP70 levels appears to be sensitive to the time when samples were collected (morning or afternoon). Conclusions: The results of our study showing fluctuations in inflammatory markers along the hearing loss process, reinforce the idea that inflammatory mechanisms are involved in hearing loss pathogenesis but also in tinnitus. IL10 levels appear significantly altered in tinnitus but not in hearing loss.