Role of epigenetics and cytokine response in Reinke´s edema

Voice disorders have a substantial impact on the quality of life of affected people, concerning private as well as professional life. Reinkes edema is a benign disease of the vocal fold, leading to a hoarse, lower pitched voice, swellings and troubles with breathing. Risk factors are smoking and heavy voice use, often due to professional reasons (singers, teachers, radio speakers, ). Current therapy is the surgical removal of mucosal tissue and avoidance of risk factors. But even after surgery and cessation of these factors, a normal, healthy state of the vocal folds cannot be regained. In the current project, epigenetic factors that can cause chronic alterations of the tissue will be investigated. Further, the response of cells of the connective tissue to inflammatory mediators will be examined. Current preliminary results hint to chronic alterations in this aspect. In a third step, results from tissue culture will be validated in patient tissue. For better understanding Reinkes edema and to improve therapies for the disease, it is important to understand chronic alterations on a cellular and molecular level. Results of this project should help to find better treatments. Further, new insights could lead to a better understanding of the functions of the vocal fold and could also be relevant concerning other voice disorders.