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


OBJECTIVE
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.


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.
Mehta
D
D
Departments of ENT, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
Daudia
A
A
Birchall
J P
JP
Banerjee
A R
AR
D018424:Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear / Q000201:enzymology*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D053509:Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 / Q000378:metabolism*; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 / Q000378:metabolism*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000201:enzymology*
D053509:Matrix Metalloproteinase 13; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8