Gene Expression in the Human Endolymphatic Sac: The Solute Carrier Molecules in Endolymphatic Fluid Homeostasis. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25486439 Abstract OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of the present study is to explore, demonstrate, and describe the expression of genes related to the solute carrier (SLC) molecules of ion transporters in the human endolymphatic sac. STUDY DESIGN: cDNA microarrays and immunohistochemistry were used for analyses of fresh human endolymphatic sac tissue samples. METHODS: Twelve tissue samples of the human endolymphatic sac were obtained during translabyrinthine surgery for vestibular schwannoma. Microarray technology was used to investigate tissue sample expression of solute carrier family genes, using adjacent dura mater as control. Immunohistochemistry was used for verification of translation of selected genes, as well as localization of the specific protein within the sac. RESULTS: An extensive representation of the SLC family genes were upregulated in the human endolymphatic sac, including SLC26a4 Pendrin, SLC4a1 sodium-bicarbonate transporter, SLC9a2 sodium-hydrogen transporter, SLC12a3 thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl transporter, and SLC34a2 sodium-phosphate transporter. CONCLUSIONS: Several important ion transporters of the SLC family are expressed in the human endolymphatic sac, including Pendrin, the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl transporter, and the Na-phosphate transporter SLC34a2. The data provide a new knowledge base considering the ion-dependent metabolic mechanisms maintaining inner ear homeostasis. More specifically, the results indicate a strong similarity with the ion transportation occurring in the kidney collecting ducts. In addition, the findings prompt a revision of the theories behind contemporary pharmacological treatment of Ménière's disease and may broaden the understanding of the pathogenesis of BPPV.
But if these genes were upregulated, why would that "upregulation" occur in only one ear? The genes in the DNA of both ears are identical. There must be some other factor, localized in the affected ear --- such as an active herpes virus lesion. Stop the virus, the genes would function normally, as they to in the opposite unaffected ear. --John of Ohio
I am thinking of families where people tend to have a genetic problem which results in on degenerative hip or at least one where the problem is exhibited first. I do agree virus is a culprit often but i dont think it is true that viruses are manifest unilaterally and everything else is always expressed bilaterally.
the herpes virus adheres itself along a specific nerve that's why people get shingles on one side not all over. so I can see it being unilateral unless the virus gets into the other inner ear as well.
My thought is always how long will it take for the medical field to act on this information and diseminate it to the masses, because currently that is not occurring. That is why some doctors refuse to entertain a virus as a cause for MM. You ask 4 doctors for the cause of MM and you get 5 opinions. I know we are our own advocates, but it makes dealing with many doctors difficult.
No, ask MDs the cause of Meniere's, and they will all say, "Well, it's idiopathic. It has no known cause, so it's very hard for us to treat it. But here, take this diuretic and limit your salt intake. Come back in six months and let's how that all works out for you." --John of Ohio
Yes, but many other things can be unilateral as well. I am firmly in the viral camp, but not because of it being unilateral or not.
I'm not even sure why we are discussing unilateral diseases lol the study is about ion transporters in the human endolymphatic sac.
the findings that those ion transporters in the human endolymphatic sac help maintain homeostasis may lead to treating MM differently, from what I get from the study, if they can find a way to maintain homeostasis in the sac it may take care of MM.
"I'm not even sure why we are discussing unilateral diseases lol the study is about ion transporters in the human endolymphatic sac." Because Meniere's is almost universally, at the start, a unilateral disease. If we are confined to bilateral diseases of the inner ear, there is nothing on this entire website other than this "new study" to discuss. And that's the exact point. The bilateral maintenance of normalized inner ear electrolyte concentrations and fluid volumes is not a concern for those with Meniere's. With the disease, it's the restoration of these factors in the affected, unilateral inner ear; and there is now exhaustive evidence that disruption of such normalcy is caused in most cases by herpes virus infections. The article is essentially irrelevant to those with Meniere's, which is almost always unilateral at the start. --John of Ohio
I disagree completely with your statement. its very relevant, since the ES is dysfunctional in MM and if they can figure out how to maintain homeostasis the ES with these new findings plus other info then that may lead to a way of treating it.
IN MM patients the sac is thicker for some reason something in the cells inside the fluid may be causing that, know what keeps the sac functional can only help figuring out MM.
way over my head but why does my menieres jump over to my right side about once a year for a few minutes or days and always jump back to my left?