抄録
Although the basis for both the sporadic and inherited forms of Meniere's disease (MD) remain undefined, it is likely to be multifactorial, one of the factors being a genetic predisposition. Several candidate genes, such as AQPs, COCH, and HLA, have been proposed for MD, many of them regulating directly or indirectly the ionic or water transport of the inner ear. Mutations/polymorphisms in KCNE potassium channel genes might play a causative role in MD, because KCNE potassium channels have been suggested to be involved in the transmembrane ion and water transport mechanisms of the inner ear. The SNPs analyses identified that 112G/A SNP in the KCNE1 gene and 198T/C SNP in the KCNE3 gene could determine an increased susceptibility to develop MD. Because of the familial clustering, the geographical and racial differences, no convincing evidence for an association with any genes in the development of MD exists. The phenotypic diversity of MD makes the selection of patients a challenge, and the late onset of the disease may complicate the selection of the controls. Finally, the predisposing factors for MD should differ between ethnic groups and even between families affected. In summary, existing candidate gene reports provide very little information on the etiology of MD at present. Future studies should emphasize the need to collect larger, well-defined control groups as well as sporadic/familial MD patients.
