Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and -2 in pediatric chronic otitis media with effusion.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in pediatric patients with middle ear effusion (MEE) and determine the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME) and allergy.


METHODS
The MEE samples were collected from 25 patients with allergy and 20 patients without allergy as a control. The levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The activity of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were measured by gelatin-zymography. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for comparisons between the allergy positive and control groups.


RESULTS
The level of MMP-9 was significantly elevated in MEE from the allergy positive group compared to controls. The amount of MMP-9 activity significantly increased in the allergy positive group compared to controls.


CONCLUSIONS
MMP-9 and MMP-2 are mediators of inflammation in the OME; in addition, MMP-9 may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of OME with allergy.
Jang
Chul-Ho
CH
Department of Otolaryngology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hak-dong 8, Gwangju, South Korea. chulsavio@hanmail.net
Shin
Sung-Heui
SH
Cho
Hyong-Ho
HH
Moon
Seok-Jin
SJ
Cho
Yong-Bum
YB
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D020545:Respiratory Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology
D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9