Regenerative Treatment of Middle Ear Mucosa With Topical Retinoid Administration.

OBJECTIVE

Dysfunction of the middle ear can lead to hearing loss and the development of diseases such as cholesteatoma. Although radical treatment for cholesteatoma involves complete removal of the lesion, incomplete regeneration of the middle ear mucosa may contribute to hearing loss and recurrence of the cholesteatoma. This study aimed to evaluate the regenerative potential of topical retinoid therapy for damaged middle ear mucosa.

METHODS

We used a guinea pig model to investigate the regenerative effects of topical retinoids on middle ear mucosal damage. Retinoids, which are known to promote nasal mucosal epithelium regeneration, were applied to the middle ear. Histological analysis was performed to assess epithelial recovery, and auditory function testing was conducted to detect any signs of ototoxicity.

RESULTS

The regenerated mucosa exhibited histological and functional characteristics comparable to those of normal ciliated epithelium. Furthermore, no ototoxicity was observed following the administration of retinoids. In the retinoid group, five of six ears (83%) demonstrated complete or partial healing, whereas none in the control group showed regeneration (p = 0.0183). The regenerated mucosa exhibited histological and functional characteristics comparable to those of normal ciliated epithelium. Furthermore, no ototoxicity was observed following the administration of retinoids.

CONCLUSION

Topical retinoids may be an effective and novel therapeutic option for promoting the regeneration of middle ear mucosa without inducing ototoxic effects. Further investigations are required prior to clinical application in humans.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.