| Role of Anti-oxidant Twendee X for Maintenance of Voice and Swallow Shigeru Hirano1; Haruhiko Inufusa2; Toshikazu Yoshikawa3; 1KYOTO PREFECTURAL UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE, Kyoto, Japan; 2TIMA JAPAN CORPORATION, Gifu, Japan; 3LOUIS PASTEUR CENTER FOR MED. RES., Tohoku, Japan; PAPER: 266/Oxidative/Regular (Oral) SCHEDULED: 14:25/Thu. 24 Oct. 2019/Zeus (55/Mezz. F) ABSTRACT: The larynx and pharynx have important roles in maintaining voice and swallowing functions. Age-related deterioration of vocal and swallowing functions has become a significant problem for the elderly which can lead to aspiration pneumonia in the worst cases. Age-related histological and functional deficit of the pharyngolaryngeal system is the main issue. The vocal fold, the producer of the voice, becomes atrophied and weak which causes glottic insufficiency with reduced mucosal vibration. The voice becomes harsh and weak. Glottic insufficiency also causes mis-swallowing. Laryngeal elevation and pharyngeal constriction are weakened with age which can lead to aspiration. We have confirmed that oxidative stress increases with age in the vocal fold mucosa and muscle, as well as the pharyngeal muscles. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage the tissue and hamper function. In the case of singers or other professional voice users, overuse of the vocal fold also causes damage to the function of the vocal fold via ROS. Anti-oxidants are the promising material that can maintain or improve the voice and the swallowing ability. We have revealed that anti-oxidants can maintain the vocal fold during excessive vocal loading tasks, avoiding inflammation or exhaustion of the vocal fold. Twendee X (TWX) has proven the strongest anti-oxidant, and our preliminary study demonstrated that an opera singer's voice was well maintained with the 1-month use of TWX. Another aspect of TWX is its capability to reduce allergic inflammation in the upper airway which is also important for protection of the pharyngolarynx. Anti-oxidants should be effective, useful, and promising for maintaining the pharyngolarynx which secures voicing and swallowing functions. References: [1]Inufusa H. Characterization of cell protection effects of Twendee X by oxidative stress. J World Mitochondria Soc 2016;2:42. [2]Kaneko M, Kishimoto Y, Suzuki R, et al. Protective Effect of Astaxanthin on Vocal Fold Injury and Inflammation Due to Vocal Loading: A Clinical Trial. J Voice. 2017;31(3):352-358. |
