Aberration of the tissue collagenase system in association with otosclerosis

Studies of aural and other body tissues suggest that otosclerosis represents the local manifestation of a general disorder of connective tissue. In particular, collagen abnormalities have been described. We have undertaken a pilot study of the in vivo messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription for procollagenase (precursor of collagenase), as well as for stromelysin and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease (TIMP), an activator and a specific inhibitor of tissue collagenase activity, respectively. Human skin from individuals with surgically confirmed otosclerosis was compared to skin from their family members (clinically positive and clinically negative) and from unrelated normal controls. Preliminary data indicate that on average there are significantly lower levels of mRNA production for stromelysin among individuals with otosclerosis as compared to all others tested. Similar trends were demonstrated for TIMP and procollagenase, although these did not achieve statistical significance. In addition to suggesting a pathogenetic mechanism for the development of the disease, these data could serve as the basis of possible confirmatory tests for early diagnosis of otosclerosis and as a method for evaluating the genotype of offspring of affected individuals prior to their age of clinical manifestation. This could translate into the application of prophylactic treatment regimens in the future. The proposed abnormalities also suggest candidate genes for otosclerosis.