Brainstem auditory-evoked potential examinations in diabetic patients

NADPH Oxidase 2-Mediated Insult in the Auditory Cortex of Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats

Clinical data has confirmed that auditory impairment may be a secondary symptom of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, mechanisms underlying pathologic changes that occur in the auditory system, especially in the central auditory system (CAS), remain poorly understood. In this study, Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were used as a T2DM rat model to observe ultrastructural alterations in the auditory cortex and investigate possible mechanisms underlying CAS damage in T2DM. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) of ZDF rats was found to be markedly elevated in low (8 kHz) and high (32 kHz) frequencies. Protein expression of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) and its matching subunits P22^phox, P47^phox, and P67^phox was increased in the auditory cortex of ZDF rats. Expression of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of DNA oxidative damage, was also increased in the neuronal mitochondria of the auditory cortex of ZDF rats. Additionally, decreases in the mitochondrial total antioxidant capabilities (T-AOC), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected in the auditory cortex of ZDF rats, suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction. Transmission electron microscopy results indicated that ultrastructural damage had occurred to neurovascular units and mitochondria in the auditory cortex of ZDF rats. Furthermore, cytochrome c (Cyt c) translocation from mitochondria to cytoplasm and caspase 3-dependent apoptosis were also detected in the auditory cortex of ZDF rats. Consequently, the study demonstrated that T2DM may cause morphological damage to the CAS and that NOX2-associated mitochondrial oxidative damage and apoptosis may be partly responsible for this insult.

To Study Brain Stem Auditory Evoked Potential in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus- A Cross- Sectional Comparative Study

INTRODUCTION

Neuropathy is one of the commonest complications of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Apart from having peripheral and autonomic neuropathy patients with type 2 DM may also suffer from sensory neural hearing loss, which is more severe at higher frequencies. However, few studies have done detailed evaluation of sensory pathway in these patients. In this study brain stem auditory evoked potential is used to detect the acoustic and central neuropathy in a group of patients with type 2 DM with controlled and uncontrolled blood sugar.

AIM

To study brain stem auditory evoked potential in patients of type 2 DM with controlled and uncontrolled blood sugar and to correlate the various parameters e.g., age (years), weight (kilograms), height (meters), BMI (kg/m²), HbA1c (%) in patients with type 2 DM with controlled and uncontrolled blood sugar.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional comparative study conducted from January 2014 to January 2015. Total 60 patients with type 2 DM of either sex, between age groups of 35-50 years were enrolled from the Diabetic Clinic of Medicine department, of a tertiary care hospital. Based on the value of HbA1c, patients were divided in two groups with controlled and uncontrolled blood sugar and with each group comprising of 30 patients. BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) was done in both the groups on RMS ALERON 201/401. Recordings were taken at 70dB, 80dB and 90dB at 2KHz frequency. Absolute latency of wave I, III, V and interpeak latencies I-III, III-V and I-V were recorded.

RESULTS

Mean±SD of the absolute latency of BERA waves I, III, V and interpeak latencies I-III, III-V and I-V at 2 KHz and at varying intensity of 70dB, 80dB and 90dB in uncontrolled group of DM were delayed and were significant as compared to controlled group of DM.

CONCLUSION

If BERA is done in diabetic patients, central neuropathy can be detected earlier in uncontrolled groups of diabetic patients.

Cerebral dysfunction in type 1 diabetes: effects of insulin, vascular risk factors and blood-glucose levels

Type 1 diabetes can lead to several well-described complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy and peripheral neuropathy. Evidence is accumulating that it is also associated with gradually developing end-organ damage in the central nervous system. This relatively unknown complication can be referred to as "diabetic encephalopathy" and is characterised by electrophysiological and neuroradiological changes, such as delayed latencies of evoked potentials, modest cerebral atrophy and (periventricular) white matter lesions. Furthermore, individuals with type 1 diabetes may show performance deficits in a wide range of cognitive domains. The exact mechanisms underlying this diabetic encephalopathy are only partially known. Chronic metabolic and vascular changes appear to play an important role. Interestingly, the differences in the "cognitive profile" between type 1 and type 2 diabetes also suggest a critical role for disturbances of insulin action in the central nervous system.