Expression of GATA3, T-bet, IL-4, and IFN-gamma mRNA in the effusion of OME patients.
OBJECTIVE
The role of allergy in the pathophysiology of otitis media with effusion (OME) remains unclear. We evaluated the role of allergy and the Th1/Th2 balance in OME patients.


METHODS
Middle ear fluid was collected from 46 OME patients who had a ventilating tube inserted, and expression of GATA3, T-bet, IL-4, and IFN-gamma mRNA was assessed by RT-PCR. Expression of transcription factors and cytokines was compared in patients with and without allergy.


RESULTS
The levels of GATA3 and T-bet mRNA in effusion fluid correlated positively with the levels of IL-4 and IFN-gamma mRNA, respectively. However, the allergy and non-allergy groups showed no significant differences in expression of any of these transcription factors and cytokines. The T-bet:GATA3 ratio was higher in the non-allergy than in the allergy group, but the difference was not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Although we observed a significant positive correlation between GATA3 and IL-4 mRNA levels, we cannot conclude that OME with allergy is related to a Th-2 driven immune response.
Shim
Hyun Joon
HJ
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, EulJi University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Park
Dong Choon
DC
Lee
Young Chan
YC
Eun
Young Gyu
YG
Yeo
Seung Geun
SG
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D050990:GATA3 Transcription Factor / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology; D007223:Infant; D020382:Interleukin-18 / Q000235:genetics*; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000276:immunology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D020825:T-Box Domain Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology
D050990:GATA3 Transcription Factor; D020382:Interleukin-18; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D020825:T-Box Domain Proteins; D015847:Interleukin-4