Toll-like receptors and NOD-like receptors in otitis media with effusion (116.24)

Abstract

Abstract Objectives; Bacterial infection in a normally sterile environment of the middle ear cavity usually triggers host immune response which innate immune system plays a dominant role as host’s first line of defense mechanism. Here, we evaluated pediatric patients with otitis media with effusion (OME) in order to assess expression levels of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) -2, -4, -5, -9, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing proteins (NODs) -1 and -2 which are all related to bacterial infection. Methods; The study population consisted of 46 pediatric patients with OME, of whom all had ventilating tubes inserted. The expression levels of TLR-2, -4, -5, -9, NOD-1 and -2 mRNA in middle ear effusion were assessed by performing real-time PCR. Results; All effusion fluid samples collected from patients with OME showed expressions of TLR-2, -4, -5, -9, NOD-1, and -2 mRNA. However, we found no significant correlation among expression levels of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in relation to characteristics of exudates, presence of bacteria, comorbidity with allergic rhinitis, and frequencies of ventilation tube insertion (p>0.05). Conclusion; This finding suggests that expression of PRRs during bacterial infection may possibly be associated with the development of OME in children.