Related Experiment Videos
How does endotoxin trigger inflammation in otitis media with effusion?
L P Schousboe1, T Ovesen, L Eckhardt
1Department of Otolaryngology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. Schousboe@dadlnet.dk
Objectives:
The relationship among microorganisms, endotoxin, and inflammatory mediators in otitis media with effusion (OME) was examined.
Study Design:
Analysis of 152 middle ear effusions aspirated at the time of ventilation tube insertion from children with OME.
Methods:
Effusion samples were cultured for pathogenic bacteria The two primary cytokines, interleukin-1beta (IL1beta) and tumor necrosis factor (TNFalpha), and the adhesion molecules, intercellular and vascular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1), were quantified using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Endotoxin concentration was measured with a limulus amebocyte lysate assay, and total protein concentration was quantified using the Biorad microassay.
Results:
The cultures of pathogenic bacteria were positive in 33 of the 152 effusions (22%), which contained more endotoxin and more of the primary cytokines than the 119 culture-negative effusions. Endotoxin and the primary cytokines were positively correlated, both in the whole material and in the sterile effusions alone. The adhesion molecules were positively correlated with each other, but not with endotoxin or the primary cytokines.
Conclusions:
We found a positive correlation between endotoxin and the primary cytokines TNFalpha and IL1beta in culture-positive OME effusions as well as in culture-negative ones, suggesting endotoxin-induced local production of TNFalpha and IL1beta in the middle ear. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were also present in the middle ear, but their concentrations were not directly correlated to endotoxin or the primary cytokines.
Insights
This study found endotoxin correlates with inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in otitis media with effusion, suggesting endotoxin triggers their production. Adhesion molecules were not directly linked to endotoxin levels.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common childhood condition.
- The role of microbial factors and inflammatory mediators in OME pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between microorganisms, endotoxin, and inflammatory mediators in middle ear effusions from children with OME.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 152 middle ear effusions using bacterial culture, ELISA for cytokines (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha) and adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1), and limulus amebocyte lysate assay for endotoxin.
- Quantification of total protein concentration.
Main Results:
- Pathogenic bacteria were identified in 22% of effusions.
- Culture-positive effusions showed higher endotoxin and cytokine levels than culture-negative ones.
- Endotoxin and cytokines (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha) were positively correlated in both sterile and non-sterile effusions.
- Adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) correlated with each other but not with endotoxin or cytokines.
Conclusions:
- Endotoxin appears to induce local production of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in the middle ear, contributing to OME.
- ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are present but not directly correlated with endotoxin or primary cytokines in OME.