[Expression of matrix metalloproteinasa-2,9 in cholesteatoma and middle ear cancer]

To study various expressions and roles of MMP-2, 9 in cholesteatoma and middle ear cancer.

MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected with immunohistochemical methods using monoclonal antibody in 36 cholesteatomas, 10 CAMS and 16 middle ear cancer.

The stain in cholesteatoma was stronger than that in CAMS and NAMS. Expressions of MMP-2, 9 were seen in all layers of the epithelium in CA and the stain was strongest in basement membrane. The positive rates of stain was 83% and 50% in CA and CAMS respectively. There was weak stain in 2 NAMS. In middle ear cancer, the expression rates of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were 50% (8/16) and 56.25% (9/16) respectively. The expression level was correlated with tumor differentiation and its clinical stage. Expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were closely related in cholesteatoma. There was no relationship between expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in middle ear cancer.

Cholesteatoma has a similar feature with middle ear cancer in invading surrounding of surround bone matrix. The disorder between MMPs and its inhibitor was one of reasons for bone absorption of cholesteatoma and middle ear cancer.