Panel 3: Recent Advances in Anatomy, Pathology, and Cell Biology in Relation to Otitis Media Pathogenesis

Per Cayé-Thomasen, Ann Hermansson, Lauren Bakaletz, Sten Hellstrøm, Sho Kanzaki, Joseph Kerschner, David Lim, Jizhen Lin, Kevin Mason, Jorge Spratley

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background and Objectives. The pathogenesis of otitis media (OM) involves a number of factors related to the anatomy, pathology, and cell biology of the middle ear, the mastoid, the Eustachian tube, and the nasopharynx. Although some issues of pathogenesis are fairly well established, others are only marginally indicated by current knowledge, and yet others remain undisclosed. The objective of this article is to provide a state-of-the-art review on recent scientific achievements in the pathogenesis of OM, as related to anatomy, pathology, and cell biology. Data Sources. PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Cochrane Library. Review Methods. Articles published on the pathogenesis of OM and the anatomy, pathology, and cell biology of the middle ear, the mastoid, the Eustachian tube, and the nasopharynx between January 2007 and June 2011 were identified. Among almost 1900 abstracts, the authors selected 130 articles for full article review and inclusion in this report. Results. New knowledge on a number of issues emerged, including cell-specific expression and function of fluid transportation and innate immune system molecules, mucous cell metaplasia, mucin expression, bacterial adherence, and epithelial internalization, as well as the occurrence, composition, dynamics, and potential role of bacterial biofilm. In addition, the potential role of gastroesophageal reflux disease and cigarette smoke exposure has been explored further. Conclusions and Implications for Practice. Over the past 4 years, considerable scientific progress has been made on the pathogenesis of OM, as related to issues of anatomy, pathology, and cell biology. Based on these new achievements and a sustained lack of essential knowledge, suggestions for future research are outlined.

Original languageEnglish
JournalOtolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Volume148
Issue number4 Suppl
Pages (from-to)E37-E51
Number of pages15
ISSN0194-5998
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2013

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Panel 3: Recent Advances in Anatomy, Pathology, and Cell Biology in Relation to Otitis Media Pathogenesis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this