Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in cholesteatoma and deep meatal skin.

A qualitative and quantitative study of the presence of Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in cholesteatoma was performed. Ten cholesteatoma and four deep meatal skin specimens were analysed for gelatinase activity at molecular weights corresponding to MMP-2 and MMP-9 using Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) Zymography. Gelatinase activity at 72 kDa and 92 kDa was investigated. Western blotting was employed using primary monoclonal antibodies to provide a qualitative assessment of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Non-parametric data analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test did not show a significant difference in expression of MMP-2 (P = 0.51) or MMP-9 (P = 0.14) between the two tissue types. Western blotting showed the presence of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the majority of specimens, both cholesteatoma and deep meatal skin.