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Role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in otitis media with effusion in adults
Shin Kariya1, Mitsuhiro Okano, Katsuya Aoji
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Okayama University Medical and Dental School, Okayama, Japan.
Abstract:
Otitis media with effusion (OME) is one of the most common ear diseases. Bacterial endotoxins and several inflammatory cytokines appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of OME in children; however, little is known of the immunological aspects of the onset of OME in adults. We sought to determine the presence of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as well as interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and presumably secreted), and endotoxin in middle ear effusions (MEEs) from adult patients with OME. In addition, the levels of MIF in MEEs from adults and children were compared. MEE was obtained from 95 adults and 11 children. The levels of MIF, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and RANTES were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the concentrations of endotoxin and total protein were determined by the Endospec assay and bicinchoninic acid assay, respectively. MIF was detected in 97.9% of the MEEs from adults, while endotoxin, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and RANTES were detected in 96.8, 12.6, 5.3, and 43.9%, respectively. In addition, the level of MIF was significantly higher than those of endotoxin, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha. A positive correlation between the levels of MIF and endotoxin was observed. MIF and endotoxin were detected in 81.8 and 72.7%, respectively, of the MEEs from the children. The level of MIF was significantly higher in the children, and conversely that of endotoxin was significantly higher in the adults. These results suggest that the interaction between MIF and endotoxin may promote fluid collection in the middle ear, particularly in adults.
Insights
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and endotoxin interact to promote middle ear fluid in adults with otitis media with effusion (OME). MIF levels were higher in children, while endotoxin levels were higher in adults.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common condition, particularly in children.
- While bacterial endotoxins and cytokines are implicated in pediatric OME, the immunology of adult OME is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), RANTES, and endotoxin in middle ear effusions (MEEs) from adult OME patients.
- To compare MIF levels in MEEs from adults and children with OME.
Main Methods:
- Middle ear effusion samples were collected from 95 adults and 11 children.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify MIF, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and RANTES.
- Endotoxin and total protein levels were measured using the Endospec and bicinchoninic acid assays, respectively.
Main Results:
- MIF was detected in 97.9% of adult MEEs, alongside endotoxin (96.8%), IL-1beta (12.6%), TNF-alpha (5.3%), and RANTES (43.9%).
- MIF levels were significantly higher than endotoxin, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha in adults, with a positive correlation between MIF and endotoxin.
- MIF was found in 81.8% of pediatric MEEs and endotoxin in 72.7%; MIF levels were higher in children, whereas endotoxin levels were higher in adults.
Conclusions:
- The interaction between MIF and endotoxin may contribute to middle ear fluid accumulation in adult OME.
- Findings highlight distinct immunological profiles in adult versus pediatric OME.
