Objective
This study analyzed GJB2 (connexin 26) mutations and their association with hearing loss severity in Iranian nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL) patients, addressing a prevalent genetic cause of hearing impairment worldwide.
Methods
This research was conducted on a cohort of individuals referred for genetic counseling for hearing loss, as well as asymptomatic individuals with a family history of NSHL. Participants were included based on confirmed diagnoses of hearing impairment without syndromic features or environmental causes. Every individual was analyzed for GJB2 mutations using sanger sequencing method. Hearing impairment was classified into four categories—mild, moderate, severe, and profound—based on pure-tone audiometry.
Results
In a cohort of 282 participants, the c.35delG mutation was the most frequent variant, present in 54.5 % of individuals with hearing impairment. This mutation was found in 12 homozygous cases, 6 heterozygotes, and 1 compound heterozygote, with a strong association with profound hearing impairment (p < 0.01). The c.487A > G variant was the second most common, identified in 14 patients and significantly correlated with severe-to-profound hearing loss (p < 0.05). Less frequent variants, including c.71G > A, c.88A > G, and c.193T > A, exhibited diverse clinical presentations, ranging from mild to profound impairment. Two compound heterozygous cases also highlighted the combined effects of multiple mutations, with both cases presenting with profound hearing loss.
Conclusion
This study underscores the significant role of GJB2 mutations, particularly c.35delG and c.487A > G, in NSHL and their strong correlation with severe-to-profound hearing impairment in northeastern Iran. The findings highlight the need for region-specific screening programs to identify high-risk variants, guide genetic counseling, and enable early intervention. Moreover, comprehensive GJB2 sequencing within broader hearing loss gene panels is recommended to capture heterogeneous variants.
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