Proliferative Activity In Acquired Cholesteatoma And Correlation With Its Aggressiveness.

Purpose of the study Cholesteatoma is a cystic non-neoplastic destructive disease of the temporal bone with unclear pathogenesis and bone resorption mechanism. Both molecular and cellular events control its activity. In this study, we investigated the expression of the proliferative marker (Ki-67) in human cholesteatoma tissues versus external canal skin tissues as control and correlate them with its bone destructive activity.

Patients and methods We conducted a prospective quantitative immunochemical study. Cholesteatoma tissues were collected during cholesteatoma surgery (n=15). Punches from the skin of the deep portion of the external auditory canal were taken as control (n=5). According to aggressiveness of cholesteatoma by the use of new emerging scoring system, we classified our patients into two groups (aggressive and non-aggressive). Expression pattern of Ki-67 was assessed in both groups and in meatal skin tissues as well by the use of cell counter computed system.

Results Ki-67 was found to be overexpressed significantly in cholesteatoma than control tissues (P<0. 01). In addition, it was significantly higher in the invasive group (P=0.02). Furthermore, Ki-67 showed a moderate positive correlation with bone erosion scores (r=0.547, P=0.015).

Conclusions  Ki-67 was overexpressed in cholesteatoma tissue and positively correlated with bone resorption activity. Ki-67 could be considered as a trusted marker for cholesteatoma proliferative and destructive activity. How this knowledge can affect future management of cholesteatoma is still a fertile material for future research. Keywords, cholesteatoma; middle ear; acquired; Ki-67; bone resorption.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2023