44-plex cytokine profile of cholesteatoma

Abstract

Conclusion: A nuanced profiling was achieved by the simultaneous analysis of 44 cytokines in cholesteatoma. The novel discovery of high levels of interleukin 21 (IL21) in cholesteatoma could explain the expansive growth and could serve as future drug target, as for example also suggested for psoriasis. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the cytokine profiles of cholesteatoma and the surrounding tissues. Methods: The Luminex Multiplex xMAP bead-based antibody assay was applied to measure the concentrations of 44 cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors (BIRC5, CCL11, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL7, CD40LG, CSF2, CSF3, CX3CL1, CXCL10, CXCL9, EGF, HGF, ICAM1, IFNA2, IFNG, IL10, IL12*, IL12B, IL13, IL15, IL17A, IL17F, IL1A, IL1B, IL1R1, IL2, IL20, IL21, IL22, IL23A, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL7, IL8, LTA, MIF, TGFA, TGFB1, TNF, VEGFA) in human biopsies from cholesteatoma, neck of cholesteatoma (the transition zone from tympanic membrane), tympanic membrane, external auditory canal skin, and middle ear mucosa. Results: All 44 cytokines were detected in all 5 tissue types. Compared with external auditory canal skin, cholesteatoma showed high levels of IL8 (ratio 38, p = 0.027) and IL-21 (ratio 4.1, p = 0.02) and low levels of IL-6 (ratio 0.07, p = 0.027).

Keywords::

• Growth factors
• signaling molecules
• xMAP
• inflammation
• antibody assay
• IL21
• IL8

Acknowledgments

We thank the otosurgeons, especially Lars Vendelbo Johansen, at Aarhus University Hospital for the acquisition of samples. The work was supported by grants from Hans Skoubys og Hustru Emma Skoubys Foundation and from the Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

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