Polymorphic analysis of the heat-shock protein 70 gene (HSPA1A) in Meniere's disease

Conclusions. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 190 G/C in HSP70-1 (HSPA1A) was found to be a factor associated with Meniere's disease (MD). It is suggested that SNP 190 G/C could be scientific evidence to prove the relation between MD and stress as a trigger factor. Objective. Although it is widely known that MD might be caused by psychological stress, definitive scientific evidence has not been established. To understand an association between stress and MD, we analyzed the SNP of HSP70-1 (HSPA1A) in patients with MD. Subjects and methods. We enrolled 49 patients given a diagnosis MD, consisting of 20 men and 29 women. Controls were 100 normal subjects. We isolated genomic DNA from peripheral leukocytes with the PAX gene Blood DNA kit (Qiagen), and determined the SNP of HSPA1A. All subjects were investigated as regards hearing level and vertigo attacks, and were evaluated as to the profile of mood states (POMS) concerning psychological stress. Results. A SNP located on position 190 was found within a regulatory region in HSPA1A, and the frequency of having at least one 190C allele was significantly higher in the MD patients than the controls (p < 0.001).