Patients who exhibited a certain genetic mutation of anti-oxidant enzymes are three times more likely to develop age-related hearing loss (ARHL), according to new research presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, in San Diego, CA.

The study, which collected DNA samples from 55 patients with ARHL, indicated that there exists a significant correlation between the presence of a mutation of the GSTT1 gene, and age-related hearing loss. Conversely, there were no associations linked to the NAT2 gene.

Anti-oxidant enzymes and their deficiencies have also been implicated as contributors to diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

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Title: Anti-oxidant Enzymes and Age-Related Hearing Loss
Author: Anthony Bared, MD and Xue Liu; Simon Angeli, MD
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 9:30-10:20 am

Information for the Media: The AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO Newsroom will be located in the San Diego Convention Center, Mezzanine Level, Room 14A. Hours of operation: Saturday, October 3, 12 pm to 5 pm; Sunday-Tuesday, October 4-6, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Wednesday, October 7, 7:30 am to 2 pm (all hours Pacific time). The newsroom serves as a work space for credentialed members of the news media. The newsroom is managed and staffed by the AAO-HNS Communications Unit. Please see the AAO-HNS website for media credentialing requirements for the event.

Onsite Newsroom contact: 1-619-525-6202

About the AAO-HNS

The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization’s vision: “Empowering otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons to deliver the best patient care.”

Contact: Matt Daigle
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703-535-3754
American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery