Th1/Th2 and Regulatory Cytokines in Adults With Otitis Media With Effusion

Abstract

Regardless of allergic status, IL-12 may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion by affecting the production of IL-2 and IFN-gamma. In addition, IL-4 may have some impact on the immunologic condition in adults with allergic rhinitis. IL-10 potentially affects the viscosity of MEEs.

Aetiology and pathology of otitis media with effusion in adult life

“…As in the earlier study, by Kariya et al, 49 IL-10 levels were significantly higher in serous effusions as compared to mucoid effusions. The precise relevance of these findings will become clearer when the roles of different cytokines in diseases have been better defined.…”

“…Interestingly, the incidence rate and concentration of IL-10 was found by Kariya et al to be significantly higher in mucoid type effusions compared to serous type effusions. 49 These authors suggest that IL-12 may play a role in the pathogenesis of OME by affecting the production of IL-2 and interferon-gamma.…”

“…49 They detected IL-2 in 75 per cent of effusions, IL-4 in 41 per cent, IL-5 in 52 per cent, IL-10 in 17 per cent, IL-12 in 100 per cent and interferon-gamma in 82 per cent. Levels of IL-4 in samples from patients with allergic rhinitis were significantly higher than in those with no such history.…”

“…Zhao et al studied the concentrations of IL-10 and transforming growth factor beta in 45 samples of middle-ear fluid and blood samples from 36 patients with OME, and compared this with blood samples from 30 control subjects, 50 using the same method as Kariya et al 49 Interleukin-10 concentrations were significantly higher in middle-ear effusion than in the corresponding blood samples, but the levels of transforming growth factor beta were similar in both. As in the earlier study, by Kariya et al, 49 IL-10 levels were significantly higher in serous effusions as compared to mucoid effusions.…”

“…46 Cytokines A number of studies that have included adults have shown the presence of immunoregulatory cytokines in middle-ear effusions. [47][48][49][50] Takeuchi et al compared interleukin (IL)-8 gene expression in effusions from children and adults. 47 Interleukin-8 transcripts were found in 75 per cent of effusions from both groups.…”