Tinnitus and oxidative stress in a selected series of elderly patients

Abstract

Free radicals play an important role in several pathogenic processes damaging various structural and functional cell components. The endothelium is at major risk of radical induced lesions and this damage is most manifest in the microcirculation. The aim of this study was to assess whether free radicals are involved in the pathogenesis of idiopathic tinnitus. The study was conducted on a group of selected male patients (mean age 67± 3 years) presenting idiopathic tinnitus compared with those observed in a group of 20 male patients (mean age 66 ± 5 years). Concentrations of some oxidative markers (malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenale and myeloperoxidase) were determined at the level of the brachial and internal jugular veins. Oxidative marker concentrations were higher in the jugular blood samples in patients with tinnitus, and there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between concentrations in jugular and brachial blood in these patients. The control group presented no differences (p>0.05) in oxidative marker concentrations in jugular and brachial blood. Our results suggest that a state of oxidative stress is present in reflux venous jugular blood in tinnitus patients. This may be related to endothelial damage that could jeopardize the microcirculation of the labyrinth and acustic and vestibular tracts.