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Interleukin-8 concentration predicts the neutrophil count in middle ear effusion
P S Nassif1, S Q Simpson, A A Izzo
1Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque 87131-5341, U.S.A.
Abstract:
Interleukin-8 (IL-8), a potent neutrophilic chemoattractant and inflammatory cytokine, is present in middle ear effusions (MEEs) of children with otitis media and is thought to be responsible for the accumulation of neutrophils in MEEs. We hypothesized that IL-8 concentration predicts the total number and proportion of neutrophils in MEEs. IL-8 concentration and total and differential cell counts were measured in MEEs of children undergoing tympanostomy tube placement for otitis media. IL-8 was present in 80 (98%) of 82 effusions. The mean +/- SEM value for IL-8 was 7342 +/- 847 pg/mL. The mean +/- SEM count and percentage of neutrophils were 1.34 x 10(6) +/- 3.44 x 10(5) and 70.6 +/- 3.1%, respectively. IL-8 concentrations correlated positively with the total number (r = +0.30; P = 0.02) and percentage of neutrophils (r = +0.32; P = 0.01) in the effusion. Additionally, purulent effusions had greater IL-8 concentrations (P = 0.003) and greater neutrophil count (P = 0.03) than mucoid or serous effusions. We conclude that IL-8 is consistently present in MEEs of children and IL-8 concentration predicts the total number and proportion of neutrophils. Furthermore, IL-8 concentration and the total number of neutrophils correlate positively with the type of effusion. These results support the hypothesis that IL-8 recruits neutrophils to the middle ear in MEEs.
Insights
Interleukin-8 (IL-8) in middle ear effusions consistently predicts neutrophil numbers and proportions in children with otitis media. Higher IL-8 levels correlate with purulent effusions, supporting its role in neutrophil recruitment.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a key inflammatory cytokine and chemoattractant for neutrophils.
- IL-8 is implicated in the pathogenesis of otitis media by attracting neutrophils to middle ear effusions (MEEs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between IL-8 concentration and neutrophil counts in MEEs.
- To determine if IL-8 concentration predicts neutrophil numbers and proportions in pediatric MEEs.
- To assess the correlation between IL-8 levels and effusion type (purulent, mucoid, serous).
Main Methods:
- Measurement of IL-8 concentrations in MEEs from children undergoing tympanostomy tube placement.
- Quantification of total and differential cell counts (neutrophils) in MEEs.
- Statistical analysis to correlate IL-8 levels with neutrophil counts and effusion characteristics.
Main Results:
- IL-8 was detected in 98% of MEE samples, with a mean concentration of 7342 pg/mL.
- IL-8 concentrations showed a positive correlation with both the total number (r = +0.30) and percentage (r = +0.32) of neutrophils.
- Purulent effusions exhibited significantly higher IL-8 concentrations and neutrophil counts compared to mucoid or serous effusions.
Conclusions:
- IL-8 is a consistent finding in pediatric MEEs.
- IL-8 concentration serves as a predictive marker for neutrophil presence and quantity in MEEs.
- These findings support the role of IL-8 in recruiting neutrophils to the middle ear during otitis media.