Serum otolin-1 levels in vestibular migraine and Ménière’s disease: a comparative clinical study


Elden H., Yilmaz M. S., Altindis M., AKCA G., Cihan A., VURAL G.

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, vol.283, no.8, pp.4971-4976, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 283 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00405-026-10229-5
  • Journal Name: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.4971-4976
  • Keywords: Meniere’s disease, Otolin-1, Otolith, Vestibular migraine
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate serum Otolin-1 levels in patients with Ménière’s disease (MD) and Vestibular migraine (VM) and to investigate its potential diagnostic utility. Methods: Ninety participants were recruited, including 30 patients with MD, 30 with VM, and 30 healthy controls. Serum Otolin-1 levels were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: Otolin-1 levels differed significantly among the groups, with highest levels observed in VM (641.7 ± 106.2 pg/mL), intermediate levels in MD (539.9 ± 107.3 pg/mL), and lowest levels in controls (358.6 ± 208.8 pg/mL). ROC analysis for VM versus controls yielded an AUC of 0.918, with an optimal cutoff of ~ 553 pg/mL, providing 90.0% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity. Conclusion: These findings support Otolin-1 as a promising complementary biomarker for the differential diagnosis of recurrent vestibular syndromes. Larger multicenter prospective studies are needed to confirm diagnostic and prognostic applicability.