Diagnosis of tinnitus by detecting functionally disordered CIC-Kb, a chloride channel protein, also treatment using agents that modulate activity or expression of the altered protein

摘要

Diagnosing tinnitus in humans comprising detecting, in a subject sample, the presence of a functionally disordered CIC-Kb protein (I), is new. An independent claim is included for treatment of tinnitus using a substance (II) that modulates, preferably inhibits, activity and/or expression of the functionally disordered and/or mutated form of (I). ACTIVITY : Auditory. No biological data given. MECHANISM OF ACTION : Inhibiting expression and/or activity of a mutated form of CIC-Kb protein (I), which is a chloride channel involved in inner ear potassium ion secretion, and mutations in (I) have already been associated with Bartter syndrome type III; hypertension; allergy; hair loss; and susceptibility to infection. The mutation Thr481 to Ser results in increased KCl secretion.