Cholesteatoma aggressiveness in paediatric vs. adult patients: a comparative analysis of molecular markers with MERI and EAONO/JS staging.

PURPOSE: Cholesteatoma is characterized by the abnormal growth of keratinizing squamous epithelium in the middle ear. Although both pediatric and adult populations are affected, differences in the molecular mechanisms underlying cholesteatoma between these age groups are not fully understood. miRNA-21 and IL-6 have been implicated in various inflammatory and proliferative processes, and their roles in cholesteatoma pathogenesis among different age groups warrant detailed investigation. Research objective -Compare the expression levels of miRNA-21 and IL-6 genes in pediatric versus adult cholesteatoma tissues to elucidate potential age-related molecular differences.

METHODS

Tissue samples were collected from 30 patients (15 in Pediatric group and 15 in Adult group) undergoing surgical treatment for cholesteatoma. Preoperative MERI scores and Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to measure the expression levels of miRNA-21 and IL-6. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the expression profiles between the two groups.

RESULTS

The results revealed a significantly higher expression of miRNA-21 and IL-6 in pediatric cholesteatoma compared to adult cholesteatoma. These findings suggest distinct molecular pathways may be involved in the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma in different age groups.

CONCLUSION

The differential expression of miRNA-21 and IL-6 between pediatric and adult cholesteatoma underscores the potential for age-specific therapeutic targets. Increased miRNA-21 and IL-6 gene expression in pediatric cases may indicate a more pronounced role in tissue proliferation and inflammation. Further research is necessary to explore the clinical implications and potential for targeted treatments based on these molecular differences.