ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the expression of MMP-1, TNF-a in cholesteatoma and to determine their roles in the destruction of bone and their correlation. Methods Immunohistochemical method and the computer image quantitative analysis were used to examine the expression of TNF-α and MMP-1 in 22 cases of chotesteatomamiddle ear and 20 cases of normal external acoustic meatus skin. Results Positive stainings of MMP-1 and TNF-α were both localized in cytoplasm. The MMP-1 positive cells were found in all strata of cholesteatoma epithelium and active multiplication stromal cell. TNF-α was expressed in both epithlium and stromal cells. The results of the computer image quantitative analysis showed that the mean optical density of MMP-1 (0. 2013±0. 0106) and TNF-α (0.3852±0.0318) in cholesteatoma were higher than that in normal skin epithelial tissue( P＜0.05 ). Conclusion (1)MMP-1 and TNF-α are overexpressed in cholesteatoma. (2)MMP-1 and TNF-α have a correlation in their expression. (3)MMP-1 and TNF-α are both observed in stromal cells which indicates that stromal cells play an irnportant role in bone destruction.