Fibroblast growth factor1polymorphism within 3'-untranslated regions is associated with Noise-induced hearing loss

Introduction: It has been presented that noise-induced hearing loss is a complex disease that is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There are consistent results concerning the association between variation in the fibroblast growth factor 1 genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss. Objectives: This study was carried out to clarify the association between fibroblast growth factor1 gene polymorphism within 3'-untranslated regions and noise-induced hearing loss among noise-exposed workers. Methods: A case-control study of 174 pairs of Chinese carmaking male workers was carried out to investigate the relationship between fibroblast growth factor1 polymorphisms and noise-induced hearing loss susceptibility. The fibroblast growth factor1 polymorphism of all individuals was evaluated by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Three polymorphism sites (AA/ CC/AC) of FGF1 3'-untranslated regions were genotyped by using the polymerase chain reaction technique. Questionnaires and laboratory data were collected and analyzed with independent t-test, Wilcoxon test, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression models. Results: The gene rs17099022, rs17099029, rs34000, rs17217583, rs33999, rs2278688, rs34001, and rs34002 loci genotypes in 174 hearing loss persons and 174 healthy controls were found and performed to analyze. There were significant variances of genotype frequencies of rs17099022 existed obviously between the cases and controls (P =0.038). Analysis results revealed that the T allele of rs17099022 (95% CI = 0.320-0.987, odds ratio (OR) = 0.562, P = 0.038) was a protective factor, individuals who were exposed to noise ≤ 95 dB with the rs17099022 CC genotype (95% CI = 0.249-0.903, OR = 0.474, P =0.023) have a higher susceptibility to NIHL while compared to TC genotype. Conclusions: Our research confirmed that fibroblast growth factor1 rs17099022 gene polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated regions may be a susceptible biomarker for noise-induced hearing loss patients. rs17099022 T and TC genotype could be a protective factor for hearing loss.