Genetic polymorphisms affecting antioxidant enzymes are present in tympanosclerosis patients

Abstract

These results suggest that genetic predisposition may play a role in the aetiopathogenesis of tympanosclerosis.

Idiopathic, Infectious and Reactive Lesions of the Ear and Temporal Bone

“…Tympanosclerosis (TS) is a common post-inflammatory condition affecting the middle ear and tympanic membrane (TM) that occurs in response to chronic otitis media, chronic infection of the middle ear and/or trauma (Table 5) [46]. When only the TM is affected, the condition is [47].…”

“…Although the clinical and histomorphology of TS are known, the etiopathogenesis is not fully established. One hypothesis describes a chronically inflamed, hypoxic environment which leads to the production of free oxygen radicals, tissue injury and subsequent hyaline degeneration and calcification [46]. Damage to inflamed middle ear mucosa compromises function with subsequent impaired movement of inflammatory and/ or seromucoid exudate.…”

“…Over time, maturation results in organization and sclerosis of tissues [48]. TS is a condition affecting patients older than 30 years of age, and the reported frequency varies from 3 to 62.9% and the broad range may be related to severity, extent of disease and method of assessment (clinical vs histologic confirmation) [46,48]. TS can be an important clinical disorder when it results in impairment of sound transmission due to scarring and ossicular fixation [48][49][50].…”