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Superoxide dismutase in pediatric palatine tonsils and adenoids and its related clinical parameters
Shi-Nae Park1, Sang W Yeo, Kyung-Ho Park
1Otolaryngology-HNS, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Pediatric tonsils and adenoids use copper zinc superoxide dismutases (CuZnSODs) for protection against oxidative stress. Conditions like otitis media are linked to CuZnSODs expression in these tissues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric immunology
- Oxidative stress mechanisms
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Pediatric palatine tonsils and adenoids are crucial for immune defense.
- Superoxide radicals (O(2)(-)) can cause tissue damage.
- Copper zinc superoxide dismutases (CuZnSODs) are key antioxidant enzymes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the protective role of tonsils and adenoids against superoxide radicals.
- Evaluate clinical factors, including otitis media with effusion, related to CuZnSODs expression and activity.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to visualize CuZnSODs distribution.
- Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assessed CuZnSODs gene expression.
Main Results:
- CuZnSODs were found in various tissues of pediatric tonsils and adenoids.
- Otitis media with effusion and sinusitis correlated with CuZnSODs expression in adenoids.
- Tonsillitis frequency and recency were linked to CuZnSODs expression in tonsils.
Conclusions:
- CuZnSODs expression likely plays a role in protecting tonsils and adenoids from infection and inflammation.
- Increased superoxide radicals and subsequent CuZnSODs elevation in adenoids may contribute to otitis media development.
Purpose:
The objective of this study was to investigate a protective system of pediatric palatine tonsils and adenoids against superoxide radicals (O(2)(-)) and to evaluate the clinical factors including otitis media with effusion that are related to both the expression and activities of copper zinc superoxide dismutases (CuZnSODs).
Design:
CuZnSODs in the palatine tonsils and adenoids were studied using immunohistochemistry and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.
Results:
Immunohistochemistry showed that CuZnSODs distribute in the crypt epithelium, mucous membrane, mantle zone, and extrafollicular area of the pediatric adenoids as well as in the palatine tonsils. Otitis media with effusion and paranasal sinusitis were related to CuZnSODs expression in the pediatric adenoids. In addition, the frequency of tonsillitis and presence of recent tonsillitis were significantly related to CuZnSODs expression in the pediatric tonsils (P <.05).
Conclusions:
In both the pediatric palatine tonsils and adenoids, the mechanism of tissue protection against infection and frequent inflammatory reactions may be closely related to CuZnSODs expression. There may be close relationship between the increased level of O(2)(-) that leads to an increase in CuZnSODs in the pediatric adenoid tissue and the development of otitis media.
