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Increased expression of major basic protein (MBP) and interleukin-5(IL-5) in middle ear biopsy specimens from atopic
E D Wright1, D Hurst, D Miotto
1Meakins-Christie Laboratories, and the Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University, Canada.
Background:
Molecular biologic evidence to support an etiologic role for allergy in the pathogenesis of persistent otitis media with effusion (OME) is lacking.
Objective:
The goal of this article was to document expression of allergy-associated Th-2-type cytokines and inflammatory cells in the middle ear mucosa of children with persistent OME.
Methods:
With immunocytochemistry (CD3, major basic protein) and in situ hybridization (interleukin-5 mRNA), middle ear biopsy specimens from 7 children with persistent OME were stained. Nonatopic stapedectomy patients with no history of otitis media served as controls (n = 7).
Results:
There was a statistically significant (P< 0.05) difference in expression of CD3, major basic protein, and interleukin-5 between experimental and control subjects. All 8 OME patients proved to be atopic by ELISA testing.
Conclusions:
Type I allergy involving a Th-2-type cytokine and cellular profile may be a contributing factor in the persistence of OME in atopic children.
Significance:
The middle ear may serve as a target organ for allergic inflammation, suggesting that appropriate allergy management may be a useful adjunct to the management of OME.
Insights
Allergy may contribute to persistent otitis media with effusion (OME) in children. Studies found allergy markers in middle ear tissues, suggesting the ear is a target for allergic inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Limited molecular evidence links allergy to persistent otitis media with effusion (OME).
- Understanding the role of allergy in OME pathogenesis is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of allergy-associated Th-2 cytokines and inflammatory cells in middle ear mucosa of children with persistent OME.
- To determine if atopy is a factor in the development and persistence of OME.
Main Methods:
- Middle ear biopsy specimens from children with persistent OME and control subjects were analyzed using immunocytochemistry (CD3, major basic protein) and in situ hybridization (interleukin-5 mRNA).
- ELISA testing was performed to assess atopy in OME patients.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference in the expression of CD3, major basic protein, and interleukin-5 was observed between OME patients and controls.
- All patients diagnosed with OME were confirmed to be atopic via ELISA testing.
Conclusions:
- Type I allergy, characterized by a Th-2 cytokine and cellular profile, may play a role in the persistence of OME in atopic children.
- The middle ear can be a target organ for allergic inflammation, indicating that allergy management could be beneficial for OME treatment.
