Biomedical subjects

Xianxi Ge

Publications and source records attributed to Xianxi Ge.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

The permeability of SPION over an artificial three-layer membrane is enhanced by external magnetic field.

BACKGROUND: Sensorineural hearing loss, a subset of all clinical hearing loss, may be correctable through the use of gene therapy. We are testing a delivery system of therapeutics through a 3 cell-layer round window membrane model (RWM model) that may provide an entry of drugs or genes to the inner ear. We designed an in vitro RWM model similar to the RWM (will be referred to throughout the paper as RWM model) to determine the feasibility of using superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (SPION) for targeted delivery of therapeutics to the inner ear. The RWM model is a 3 cell-layer model with epithelial cells cultured on both sides of a small intestinal submucosal (SIS) matrix and fibroblasts seeded in between. Dextran encapsulated nanoparticle clusters 130 nm in diameter were pulled through the RWM model using permanent magnets with flux density 0.410 Tesla at the pole face. The SIS membranes were harvested at day 7 and then fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. Transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence spectrophotometry were used to verify transepithelial transport of the SPION across the cell-culture model. Histological sections were examined for evidence of SPION toxicity, as well to generate a timeline of the position of the SPION at different times. SPION also were added to cells in culture to assess in vitro toxicity. RESULTS: Transepithelial electrical resistance measurements confirmed epithelial confluence, as SPION crossed a membrane consisting of three co-cultured layers of cells, under the influence of a magnetic field. Micrographs showed SPION distributed throughout the membrane model, in between cell layers, and sometimes on the surface of cells. TEM verified that the SPION were pulled through the membrane into the culture well below. Fluorescence spectrophotometry quantified the number of SPION that went through the SIS membrane. SPION showed no toxicity to cells in culture. CONCLUSION: A three-cell layer model of the human round window membrane has been constructed. SPION have been magnetically transported through this model, allowing quantitative evaluation of prospective targeted drug or gene delivery through the RWM. Putative in vivo carrier superparamagnetic nanoparticles may be evaluated using this model.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Mitochondrial dysfunction in hearing loss.

Mitochondrial pathology plays an important role in both inherited and acquired hearing loss. Inherited mitochondrial DNA mutations have been implicated in both syndromic and non-syndromic hearing loss, as well as in predisposition to aminoglycoside ototoxicity. Acquired mitochondrial dysfunction in the absence of mitochondrial DNA mutations has also been proposed as playing an important role in noise-induced and toxin-induced hearing loss. Presbycusis, the hearing loss associated with aging, may be caused by mitochondrial dysfunction resulting from the accumulation of acquired mitochondrial DNA mutations and other factors. The pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2002

Transtympanic electrocochleography: a 10-year experience.

OBJECTIVE: To report the authors' experience with transtympanic electrocochleography during the past 10 years. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Otology/neurotology referral center. PATIENTS: Transtympanic electrocochleography was performed on 2,421 ears of 2,140 patients from May 1990 to April 2000. INTERVENTION: Clicks and tonebursts were used in electrocochleography testing. Summating potential/action potential ratio was calculated. Action potential latency shift by rarefaction and condensation clicks was measured. Cochlear microphonic was recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: An enlarged summating potential/action potential ratio (>0.40), broadened action potential waveform (>3 msec) or prolonged action potential latency shift (>0.2 msec) was considered to be indicative of endolymphatic hydrops. The presence of cochlear microphonic indicated hair cell survival. RESULTS: In response to clicks, an enlarged summating potential/action potential ratio was found in 76.1% of ears and a broadened action potential waveform in 70%. Either an enlarged summating potential/action potential ratio or a broadened action potential waveform was observed in 78.4% of ears. In response to tonebursts, an enlarged summating potential/action potential ratio was found in 64.8%. The combined use of clicks and tonebursts yielded an enlarged summating potential/action potential ratio in 81.7%. Electrocochleography using tonebursts had the advantage of frequency selectivity. A prolonged action potential latency shift was found in 62.2% of ears with Ménière's disease. A significant association between an enlarged summating potential/action potential ratio and an action potential latency shift was noted (chi = 5.357, p = 0.021). An enlarged summating potential/action potential ratio was found 71% in Stage 1 of Ménière's disease, 82% in Stage 2, 85% in Stage 3, and 90% in Stage 4 (chi = 19.442, p = 0.000). An enlarged summating potential/action potential ratio was associated with the duration of the disease, 43% in the under 1-year group, and 100% in the more than 30-years group (chi = 33.555, p = 0.000). A large cochlear microphonic was present in 69% of ears with hearing levels greater than 40 dB. CONCLUSION: Transtympanic electrocochleography using clicks and tonebursts is a reliable test to detect the presence of endolymphatic hydrops in Ménière's disease. A prolonged action potential latency shift evoked by rarefaction and condensation clicks is a useful addition to the application of electrocochleography in the diagnosis of Ménière's disease.

Action Potentials↗