Overexpression of placenta growth factor in human middle ear cholesteatoma.
CONCLUSIONS
The expression and localization of placenta growth factor (PlGF) within cholesteatoma were defined. The authors propose that PlGF is an angiogenic growth factor in cholesteatoma, and participates in the neoangiogenesis of cholesteatoma.


OBJECTIVE
Middle ear cholesteatoma is characterized by the presence of a keratinizing squamous epithelium with hyperproliferative features. Such growth can only be supported by abundant blood vessels. Because proliferating tissues require an enhanced blood supply, angiogenesis appears to be a prerequisite for the expansion of cholesteatoma. This study aimed to analyze the presence of PlGF as an angiogenic growth factor in human cholesteatoma.


METHODS
Tissue samples from human cholesteatoma and normal auditory meatal skin were obtained from patients during surgery for cholesteatoma of the middle ear. PlGF mRNA expression was quantified by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). PlGF was localized by immunohistochemical staining. Western blotting was used for detection of PlGF protein.


RESULTS
Expression of PlGF mRNA was significantly elevated in the epithelium of cholesteatoma compared with normal auditory meatal skin. PlGF was detected on cholesteatoma by Western blotting. PlGF was detected in the suprabasal layer of cholesteatoma using immunohistochemical study, but was not detected in normal auditory meatal skin.
Cho
Jae-Gu
JG
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
Lim
Hyun-Woo
HW
Woo
Jeong-Su
JS
Hwang
Soon-Jae
SJ
Lee
Heung-Man
HM
Chae
Sung Won
SW
D015153:Blotting, Western; D018424:Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000098:blood supply; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D000072483:Placenta Growth Factor; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
C000608036:PGF protein, human; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D000072483:Placenta Growth Factor