A Study of Inflammatory Mediators in the Human Tympanosclerotic Middle Ear

Abstract

The 2 patient groups differed in antigen presentation so that macrophages, B cells, and IL-6 were labeled more frequently in patients with secretory otitis media, that is, an early phase of the disease. Inducible nitric oxide synthase was seen more frequently in the patients with already established tympanosclerosis in a later phase of the disease.

Predictive factors for the appearance of myringosclerosis after myringotomy with ventilation tube placement: randomized study

“…In the results obtained in our study, there is a similar and strong, statistically significant association between the development of myringosclerosis and the number of otitis media and otorrhea. Several factors seem to be involved in the inflammation process, related with the onset and the progression of myringosclerosis [7,22]. These factors include macrophages, B cells and other inflammatory mediators such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), although their mechanism is not completely understood and defined [7,22].…”

“…When the deposition of crystals occurs only on the tympanic membrane, which is the most frequent location, it is named myringosclerosis [1,[7][8][9]. This process may assume clinical importance if it is able to interfere with the transmission of the sound vibrations through the structures of the middle ear [1,10].…”

Gene expression profile of collagen types, osteopontin in the tympanic membrane of patients with tympanosclerosis

“…11,12 Other factors that are taken into account in the etiology of tympanosclerosis include immunological processes, genetic predispositions, hypertension and hypercalcemia. [13][14][15][16] Under the influence of cytokines and other regulatory factors, the fibrosis is initiated in the lamina propria of the tympanic membrane, involving degradation and vacuolization of fibrocytes. This results in the disintegration of cells and accumulation of deposits in the spaces between the collagen fibers.…”

Is there any relation between coronary atherosclerosis and tympanosclerosis?

“…The exact etiology and pathogenesis of tympanosclerosis is not well known. Some reports have been in agreement that inflammation could initiate formation of the tympanosclerosis (6,7).…”

“…Otitis media and/or transtympanic tube application are most widely accepted explanations for the genesis of this pathology (7,25,26). The inflammation known to exist in secretory otitis media probably plays an important role (6,7,27). Some patients develop tympanosclerosis after mild inflammatory otitis media processes whereas some heal without tympanosclerosis after more aggressive infections.…”