eNOS gene affects red cell deformability: role of T-786C, G894T, and 4a/4b polymorphisms.

Plasma viscosity and erythrocyte deformability play a key role in maintaining and regulating microcirculation. In vitro and in vivo studies suggested a role for nitric oxide (NO) in modulating flow-mediated vasodilatation and red blood cell deformability. Impaired NO availability due to mutations in eNOS gene might contribute to the altered haemorheologic state.

Reduced erythrocyte deformability and hypercoagulability in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Objective: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a frequent disease whose aetiology is still unknown in about 80% of patients. Aim of this study was to evaluate if haemorheological changes and some indexes of hypercoagulability and hypofibrinolysis are associated with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL).

Methods: We studied 63 patients with ISSHL and 67 healthy control subjects, matched for age, sex and traditional cardiovascular risk factors.