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several hypothesis including viral infection, vascular disturbance, and immune-mediated mechanisms have been proposed in Menière disease (MD) and vestibular neuritis (VN) and the role of inflammation has been also investigated. To evaluate the role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and metabolic parameters in MD and VN patients. we retrospectively studied 120 subjects (40 affected by MD, 40 by VN and 40 normal controls). We analyzed glycaemia, Haematocrit Blood Test (HCT), leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, cholesterol, prothrombin time and the related international normalized ratio (PT-INR), fibrinogen, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), NLR and PLR. Neutrophils, leukocytes, cholesterol, ESR, NLR and PLR values of MD patients are significantly higher than normal controls. Higher significant values are reported for glycaemia, neutrophils, lymphocytes, leucocyte, fibrinogen, ESR, NLR and PLR in VN patients compared to NC. High levels of NLR and PLR indicate the presence of an acute inflammatory state in both MD and VN. Our data confirm the role of proinflammatory state leading to microvascular injury together with risk factors for atherogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Whiplash is an acceleration-deceleration mechanism of energy transfer to the neck that may result from a rear-end or side impact, predominantly in motor vehicle accidents but also from other mishaps. Vertigo and dizziness after whiplash injury are the most frequent, persistent and disabling symptoms, even in the absence of anatomical and cervical spine damage. Vestibular disturbances in whiplash patients have been widely investigated; nevertheless, physiopathology of vertigo and dizziness still remains an unsolved problem. The aim of our study was to demonstrate that cVEMPs (cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials) represent a valid and non-invasive technique able to investigate vestibular function, in particular the vestibulo-collic reflex and macular function. Study design: We examined 25 patients affected by disabling post-whiplash injury by means of audiovestibular tests: audiometric and impedance tests, nystagmus evaluation, caloric test, dynamic posturography and cervical VEMPs. Data obtained were compared with those of a normal control group. Results: Audiological tests, impedance tests, nystagmus evaluation, and caloric tests were normal in all patients. Comparison of dynamic posturography values obtained in whiplash patients and in the normal control group demonstrated significant differences in the Composite Equilibrium Score and Visual Component. Finally, cVEMPs were bilaterally absent in 72% of patients, unilaterally absent in 16% and present in 12%. Conclusions: Based upon neurophysiological evidence and our results, we can hypothesize that a concussion of the macular receptors takes place and that the maculae are more sensitive than the ampulla or cochlea receptor to this kind of injury. We conclude that cervical VEMPs represent a valid and non-invasive technique to evaluate disability after whiplash injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may be an important regulator of the vascular network of the inner ear and suggest that the VEGF signalling pathway may play a role in pathophysiologic conditions. Objective. In order to clarify the role of vascular growth factor in the modulation of the vascular network of the cochlea, we studied the expression of VEGF and its receptors—fms-like tyrosine kinase (Flt-1) and foetal liver kinase (Flk-1)—in the inner ear of 3-month-old rodents of different species: C57BL/6J mice, Wistar albino rats and Hartley albino guinea pigs. Material and methods. Qualitative immunohistochemical studies were performed by using specific antibodies to VEGF and its receptors on paraffin sections of the cochlea. The expression levels of VEGF and its receptors were quantified by means of Western blot analysis of cochlea protein extracts. Results. We demonstrated that VEGF and its receptors are expressed in the cochlea and described their distribution in the inner ear. In particular, VEGF and Flt-1 are present at the level of the modiolus, spiral ganglion, spiral ligament, basilar membrane, supporting cells, outer and inner hair cells and stria vascularis. Flk-1 was less strongly expressed in the cochlea and was not detected in the organ of Corti. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]