Diagnostic value of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 1 in cholesteatoma.

Abstract

Cholesteatoma may be limited to the middle ear or parts of the temporal bones. Our findings suggest better clinical usefulness of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression in cholesteatoma tissues than either serum or plasma levels of these proteins. It might suggest that the higher the expression of MMP-9 the stronger the inflammation -accompanied cholesteatoma.