Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (27): 5085-5089.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.27.034

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Neural stem cells and inner ear hearing loss and restoration

 Yi Tian-hua, Dong Ming-min   

  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou  450052, Henan Province, China
  • Online:2010-07-02 Published:2010-07-02
  • Contact: Dong Ming-min, Professor, Doctoral supervisor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China dmment@163.com
  • About author: Yi Tian-hua★, Studying for master’s degree, Physician, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China yth416@126.com
  • Supported by:

    the 211 Project Foundation of Zhengzhou University*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: There are numerous studies concerning the clinical application of neural stem cells (NSCs) to the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves, and its application to internal ear also has been paid great attention. It is feasible to utilize NSCs transplantation for repair of damages to internal ear hair cells, spiral ganglion and auditory nerve.
OBJECTIVE: To review characteristics, culture of NSCs and its application to damage to auditory nerve in the internal ear.
METHODS: The first author retrieved PubMed Database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed) and Wanfang Database (http://www.wanfangdata.com.cn) published from 1990 to 2008 for articles addressing culture and differentiation of NSCs, and its application in the internal ear. The key words were “neural stem cells, transplant, inner ear, peripheral nerve”. Repetitive studies were excluded, and 107 articles were primarily collected. Following reading titles and abstracts, a total 36 articles were used for review.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Biological features of NSCs are understood, but the studies concerning NSCs have obtained great progress. Stem cell transplantation can be used in the study of auditory sensation. Regeneration or protection of hair cells and connected spiral neurons provide extensive prospects for treating internal ear disease. However, it is a challenge to realize hair cell regeneration and reconstruction of auditory pathway. With the renewal and development of NSCs basic theory, NSCs application to clinic would obtain breakthrough.

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