Improved healing of tympanic membrane perforations with basic fibroblast growth factor

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Tympanic membrane (TM) perforations can impair hearing and are prone to delayed healing.
• Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is a signaling protein known to play a role in tissue repair and regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in promoting the healing of tympanic membrane (TM) perforations.
• To evaluate the effect of basic FGF on TM perforation repair rates in a guinea pig model.

Main Methods:

• Two models of TM perforations (1-mm round and 2-mm with inward-folded borders) were created in 51 guinea pigs.
• Topical application of either saline (control) or basic FGF (1 microgram) was administered daily via gelfoam overlays.
• Lesion repair was assessed at 3, 5, and 8 days post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) significantly accelerated the healing process of tympanic membrane (TM) perforations.
• Histological evaluation revealed that basic FGF induced rapid proliferation of the subepithelial connective tissue layer.
• The pro-healing effects of basic FGF were observed in both simple and intentionally delayed healing perforation models.

Conclusions:

• Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is a potent therapeutic agent for enhancing tympanic membrane (TM) perforation repair.
• The mechanism of action involves stimulating subepithelial connective tissue growth, leading to faster closure of TM defects.
• Basic FGF holds promise for clinical applications in managing TM injuries and improving hearing outcomes.