Transforming growth factor-beta expression in otitis media with effusion.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the existence and role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in otitis media with effusion (OME).


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
The levels of two major TGF-beta isoforms, TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2, in the middle ear effusions (MEEs) of 44 children were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunospecific assays (ELISAs). Forty-eight MEEs were separated into three clinically relevant groups (i.e., serous, mucoid, and purulent), and TGF-beta levels were correlated with clinical parameters of disease for these MEEs.


RESULTS
Both TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 were present in the samples. Mean levels of TGF-beta1 (920.36 +/- 437.75 pg/mg total protein) were generally 100-fold greater than those of TGF-beta2 (9.65 +/- 11.19 pg/mg total protein). TGF-beta1 levels were elevated in association with a history of previous tympanostomy tube placements (TTPs) (P = .029) and mucoid effusions (P = .042). TGF-beta2 levels were elevated in association with a history of previous TTPs (P = .100) and chronic (i.e., serous or mucoid) effusions (P = .003).


CONCLUSIONS
TGF-beta1 is present in the MEEs of children with OME. Furthermore, TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 levels were elevated differentially in the presence of chronic disease indicators in OME, suggesting that these isoforms may have differing roles in the inflammatory processes that characterize OME.
Cooter
M S
MS
Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington 06030-3105, USA.
Eisma
R J
RJ
Burleson
J A
JA
Leonard
G
G
Lafreniere
D
D
Kreutzer
D L
DL
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007536:Isomerism; D008297:Male; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology* / Q000601:surgery; D010035:Otitis Media, Suppurative / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology* / Q000601:surgery; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000032:analysis; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology
D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta