The localization of matrix metalloproteinases-8 and -13 in cholesteatoma, deep-meatal and post-auricular skin: a comparative analysis

Acta Otolaryngol. 2007 Feb;127(2):138-42. doi: 10.1080/00016480600781807.

Abstract

Conclusion: The presence of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 and MMP-13 was found to be significantly higher in cholesteatoma compared with post-auricular skin. The results show that the control group used has implications for further studies.

Objectives: To compare the presence of MMP-8 and MMP-13 in cholesteatoma, deep meatal and post-auricular skin. Our null hypothesis was that there was no difference in expressions of MMP-8 and MMP-13 in the three groups.

Materials and methods: The study was carried out in a secondary care specialist centre and used prospective retrieval of specimens for immunohistological localization of MMP-8 and MMP-13. Eleven patients undergoing cholesteatoma surgery were recruited for the study. Eleven cholesteatoma specimens, 10 deep meatal skin specimens and 10 post-auricular skin specimens were analysed. Specimens were analysed by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies to MMP-8 and MMP-13. Two observers scored the slides independently in a blind fashion.

Results: The presence of MMP-8 and MMP-13 was found to be significantly higher in cholesteatoma compared to post-auricular skin (p=0.02, p=0.03, respectively). There were no significant differences in expression of MMP-8 and MMP-13 between cholesteatoma and deep meatal skin (p=0.08, p=0.09, respectively). There were no significant differences in the control groups.

MeSH terms

  • Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear / enzymology*
  • Ear, External / enzymology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 / metabolism*
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 / metabolism*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Skin / enzymology*

Substances

  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 13
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 8