Correlation between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms at miR-34a and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Han Population

Abstract— Overexpression of miR-34a could lead to the apoptosis of cochlear hair cells. This study aimed to explore the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of miR-34a (rs35301225 and rs2666433) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in the Chinese Han population. A total of 221 SSNHL patients and 248 healthy controls were collected in this case-control study. miR-34a was amplified by qRT-PCR. SNPs of miR-34a were genotyped by TaqMan. The strength of the association was presented by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). miR-34a was elevated in SSNHL patients than in healthy controls (P < 0.001). rs35301225 AA genotype carriers had high miR-34a levels (P < 0.05). AA genotype (P = 0.004, OR = 2.363, 95%CI = 1.304–4.285) and A allele (P = 0.003, OR = 1.530, 95%CI = 1.156–2.024) of rs35301225 were positively correlated with SSNHL susceptibility. rs2666433 AA genotype was distinctly correlated with elevated SSNHL susceptibility (OR = 1.934, 95%CI = 1.026–3.649). rs35301225 AA genotype (P = 0.003, OR = 2.580, 95%CI = 1.378–4.830) and A allele (P = 0.002, OR = 1.598, 95%CI = 1.183–2.159) were risk factors for mild+ moderate SSNHL. AA genotype of rs35301225 was correlated with elevated SSNHL susceptibility in low, high, and flat-frequency hearing loss subgroups. miR-34a was increased in SSNHL patients. rs35301225 AA genotype and rs2666433 AA genotype were risk factors for SSNHL that might alter the expression of miR-34a.