fazTimes media: Scientists have made a groundbreaking find that could change how we treat hearing loss that comes with getting older: a lack of a protein is a key factor in how the cochlea ages. The study focused on crab-eating macaques because their genes are similar to humans'. It also shows that metformin, a commonly used drug for diabetes, may help slow down the loss of hearing that comes with getting older.

This study, which came out on June 20 in the journal Nature Aging, was done by experts from China and the US. It included researchers from the Capital Medical University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Altos Labs in California. It's a big step forward in our knowledge of the molecular causes of presbycusis, which is the most common type of hearing loss in older people.

What is presbycusis, and why is it important?

Presbycusis is the slow, permanent loss of hearing that comes with getting older. It usually affects both ears. It has a big effect on understanding words, talking to people every day, and getting along with others. Al Jazeera says that hearing loss can also make it more likely for older people to develop dementia and cognitive decline. This makes it a major global health problem.

Presbycusis is becoming more common as people around the world age, especially in places like India, where life expectancy is rising. Despite its commonality, effective treatments are still lacking. This is partly because most of the previous study was done on rodents, which have different hearing systems from humans.

The Big Idea: A Protein Named SLC35F1

The new study looked at gene activity in single auditory cells from macaques of different ages using single-cell analysis. Researchers were able to map how hearing changes over time at a level of cells that had never been done before.

TResearchers found that the expression of the gene SLC35F1 significantly decreases as people age. TThe SLC35F1 gene creates a transmembrane transport protein that is important for the health and maintenance of cochlear hair cells. These cells are the main ones that pick up sound vibrations and send messages to the brain.

When scientists removed SLC35F1 from mice's genes, the animals lost their hearing quickly and early because their hair cells died. This highly suggests that the gene is important for keeping your hearing healthy.

Prof. Wang Si of Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing, who is the lead author, said, "SLC35F1 could be a reliable biomarker for early diagnosis and monitoring of age-related hearing loss." "This discovery makes it possible to use targeted gene therapies and precision medicine to treat presbycusis."

Metformin Might Be Useful as a Medicine

Metformin was given to a group of older macaques over more than three years as part of a different part of the study. Surprisingly, the drug seemed to slow down the aging of the cochlea. The hair cells in monkeys that were given the drug were better protected than those that were not.

People with type 2 diabetes often receive prescriptions for metformin, which has a proven safety record in humans. Its possible use in hearing loss caused by getting older could speed up clinical studies and translation.

"Because metformin is very safe, it might be a good choice to be used as a therapy for hearing loss," Wang said. She did say, though, that more clinical trials in people are needed to make sure the results are correct and to find out the best dose and long-term effects.

Why macaques are important to this study

The cochlea and auditory system of crab-eating macaques are very similar to those in people, unlike rodent models. They also naturally lose their hearing as they age, which makes them perfect for this kind of study.

"It’s very difficult to obtain human cochlear samples for research, especially across different age groups," Wang said. "That’s why using macaques was essential for understanding real-life progression and potential intervention points." We now know a lot more about how our hearing gets worse with age thanks to the team's work, which fills in a big knowledge gap.

A Look at the Big Picture: Aging and Precision Medicine

BBC News said that this study fits in with larger attempts to figure out how aging works at the molecular level. Wang is a member of the Aging Biomarker Consortium in Beijing, which is working to create ways to diagnose diseases linked to getting older by using biomarkers such as SLC35F1. This could pave the way for individualized treatment plans, early prevention, and even therapies that halt hearing loss.

"We want to move from reaction to prevention," Wang said. "If we can detect changes early, perhaps through a simple blood test or genetic screening, we can intervene before significant hearing loss occurs." This statement highlights the implications for India and other countries in the Global South.

Hearing loss is increasingly problematic in India, particularly among the elderly and individuals residing in rural areas with limited access to quality health care. With more than 1.4 billion people and a population that is rapidly getting older, India could gain a lot from treatments that are simple to get and don't cost a lot. Public health experts say that if a cheap drug like metformin can be used in a new way that works well, it could be used to fight presbycusis on a large scale in low- and middle-income countries.

A A hearing doctor in Bengaluru, Dr. Shalini Rao,o said, "This is great news." TIndia already heavily uses metformin to treat diabetes. If it works, the drug could completely change how people in India treat hearing loss.

What's Going to Happen?

TThe results are encouraging, but more work needs to be done before they can be used in everyday medicine. TThe next important step will be conducting clinical studies on humans. Also, scientists are looking into whether gene therapy that targets SLC35F1 could help hair cells in the ear grow back or stay healthy.

Pharmaceutical and biotech industries have already expressed interest in the work, and they are exploring partnerships for drug trials.

A ray of hope for millions of people

HHearing loss due to aging can negatively impact an individual's quality of life, mental health, and social well-being. This new study gives hope to the millions of people who live with it, especially in places like India, where the population is getting older.

RResearchers have discovered a key process behind hearing loss using advanced molecular techniques, and they have also identified a potential solution in a common drug. IIf more tests show that metformin is effective, it may soon be able to achieve two goals: control blood sugar and preserve hearing. As Wang Si and her team continue their research, it becomes evident that a personalized, preventive treatment for the age-related hearing loss could be imminent.

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This report has been cross-referenced with coverage from globally recognized news organizations, including BBC News, Reuters, Bloomberg, South China Morning Post, Al Jazeera, NDTV, The Economic Times, and The Indian Express, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards in global journalism to ensure our readers receive reliable and fact-checked information.

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