Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine whether expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in tympanic membranes (TM) is stimulated by host tumor necrosis factor-± (TNF-±) and bacterial toxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS), which may play a role in the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma.
STUDY DESIGN: Gerbil TMs (n = 48) were cultured in the presence of either TNF-± or LPS. Quantitative analysis of TNF-± and MMPs was performed on both the homogenized TMs and the culture media supernatant.
RESULTS: Levels of TNF-± and MMPs did not increase significantly in TMs with exposure to inflammatory mediators. TNF-± levels in supernatant were elevated (P < 0.007) with more concentrated LPS exposure. Supernatant levels of MMP2 were increased (P < 0.007) at most concentrations of LPS and TNF-±.
CONCLUSION: Cultured TMs expressed MMPs in response to bacterial and host inflammatory mediators. These findings support a link between inflammation and the secretion of potentially destructive MMPs in the TM, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma.
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