Effect of basic-fibroblast growth factor on tympanic membrane perforation in a mouse model of blast injury.

Abstract

Background: Tympanic membrane perforation (TMP) caused by blast injury result in poor TMP closure and pathological regeneration of the tympanic membrane (TM). TM regeneration therapy using basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has demonstrated good outcomes for chronic otitis media.

Aims/objectives: To investigate the efficacy of bFGF treatment in the management of blast-induced TMP.

Material and methods: Male CBA/J mice (10-12-week-old) were divided into the bFGF-treatment and no-treatment groups. Blast-tube systems were used to induce TMP. Auditory evaluation, TM observation, histological evaluation of the regenerated TM, and histological evaluation of the inner ear were conducted.

Results: Auditory assessment revealed no difference between the groups, with persistent auditory threshold elevation being observed even 1 month post-injury. Similarly, histological evaluation of the inner ear hair cells revealed no significant differences between the groups; no hair cell death was evident. However, the regenerated TM in the bFGF-treated group was significantly thicker than that in the untreated group.

Conclusions and significance: A good TMP closure rate was observed in the present study; however, bFGF treatment exacerbated thickening of the regenerated TM. Future studies must study the therapeutic effects of bFGF treatment using various animal models and timing and concentration of bFGF treatment.