[Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2,9 in cholesteatoma from different positions].

OBJECTIVE: To study various expressions and roles of MMP-2,9 in cholesteatoma from different positions. METHODS: MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected with immunohistochemical methods using antibody in 18 attic cholesteatoma, 16 tympanic sinus cholesteatoma, 10 auditory meatal skin in cholesteatoma (CAMS) and 10 normal auditory meatal skin (NAMS). RESULTS: The stain in cholesteatoma was stronger than that in CAMS and NAMS (P < 0.05). Expression of MMP-2,9 was seen in all layers of the epithelium in cholesteatoma and the stain was strongest in basement membrane. Expression of MMP-2,9 in tympanic sinus cholesteatoma was stronger than that in attic cholesteatoma. The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were closely related in cholesteatoma (r = 0.974, P < 0.01). The expression of MMP-2,9 in cholesteatoma was related with destruction of ossicular chain (r = 0.789, P < 0.01; r = 0.803, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: MMPs play a very important role in bone destruction in cholesteatoma. The destruction of bone in tympanic sinus cholesteatoma is more severe than that in attic cholesteatoma. Tympanic sinus cholesteatomas are more invasive in destruction surround bone matrix.