Small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 gene associated with noise-induced hearing loss in Chinese workers

Abstract

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is harmful to the health quality of noise exposed workers in developed and industrialized countries. The occurrence of NIHL is the result of the interactions between genetic and environmental factors. We aim to study the relationship between rs6709162 genotype located in small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 (SUMO-1) gene and susceptibility to NIHL. Methods: Workers exposed to noise were divided into case group or control group for retrospective study. The two groups were matched by gender, age, smoking, drinking, noise exposure time and intensity. 2 mL of fasting peripheral blood was taken from the two groups, and DNA was extracted. According to the Millennium Genome Project and literature review, rs6709162 of SUMO-1 gene was selected. TaqMan probe method was taken to detect rs6709162 genotypes. Results: The distribution of the different genotypes of the SUMO-1 gene rs6709162 between the case group and the control group was statistically significant (P=0.001). Individuals exposed to high levels of noise (>92 dB) and carrying the rs6709162T allele have an increased risk of NIHL (P=0.004). Environmental factors such as smoking and high temperature interact with rs6709162 (P=0.0001). Conclusions: rs6709162 may serve as a factor for the susceptibility to NIHL and can be used for the early prevention and diagnosis of NIHL in Chinese Han noise-exposed workers.