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Updated: May 17, 2026

Endoscopic Cholesteatoma Surgery
Published on: January 19, 2022
Myeloperoxydase activity in the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma
Ozlem Celebi1, Mustafa Paksoy, Sedat Aydin
1Rize Government Hospital, Rize, Turkey.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of myeloperoxydase (MPO) in bone destruction in patients of chronic otitis media (COM) with cholesteatoma by immtino-histochemical staining and to conclude the possible relationship between bone destruction in patients with cholesteatoma accompanied with COM and MPO activity.
Methods:
The study was conducted on a total number of 81 patients where 51 of the patients were enrolled in the "patient group" and 30 of the patients were enrolled in the "control group" whom were operated due to otitis media. MPO positivism was monitored when a cytoplasmic staining process was performed.
Results:
Meanwhile, a significant difference is present at a statistically advanced level between the MPO levels of groups (p = 0.001; p < 0.01). However, MPO activity is absent in patients included in the control group or it can be observed at a very slight level. A moderate level or intense level of activity can be observed in patients enrolled in the study group. Excluding the destruction at the dura, all findings related with the middle ear and the erosion of the mastoid cavity and MPO activity indicated a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). According to the destruction at the wall of the dura bone, distribution of MPO activity did not display a statistically meaningful difference (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
In this study, we investigated the relationship between MPO level and bone destruction and found a significant level of correlation among the fore said. A new era may be opened in the treatment of cholesteatoma when preoperative MPO levels are determined and adequate information is obtained related with bone erosion.
Insights
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity is significantly elevated in patients with chronic otitis media (COM) and cholesteatoma, correlating with bone destruction. This finding may lead to new diagnostic approaches for cholesteatoma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Chronic otitis media (COM) with cholesteatoma is associated with significant bone destruction.
- The role of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in this pathological process requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of MPO on bone destruction in COM patients with cholesteatoma.
- To determine the relationship between MPO activity and bone erosion in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Immuno-histochemical staining was used to assess MPO activity.
- A study group of 51 COM patients with cholesteatoma and a control group of 30 patients were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher MPO levels were observed in the patient group compared to the control group (p = 0.001).
- MPO activity correlated significantly with middle ear and mastoid bone erosion (p < 0.05), but not with dura bone destruction (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- A significant correlation exists between MPO levels and bone destruction in COM with cholesteatoma.
- Preoperative MPO level determination could offer valuable insights into bone erosion, potentially guiding cholesteatoma treatment strategies.

