C-type lectin receptors mRNA expression in patients with otitis media with effusion

ObjectiveThe role of C-type lectin receptor, a type of pattern recognition receptor, in otitis media with effusion (OME) is unclear. We assayed the levels of expression of C-type lectin receptor mRNA in children with OME and evaluated its relationship to the presence of bacteria, accompanying diseases, and characteristics of exudates.Subjects and MethodsThe study population consisted of 73 children with OME who had undergone ventilating tube insertion. The levels of expression of Dectin-1, MR1, MR2, DC-SIGN, Syk, Card-9, Bcl-10, Malt-1, Src, Dec-205, Galectin-1, Tim-3, Trem-1, and DAP-12 mRNA in middle ear effusion were determined by real-time PCR. The level of expression of each mRNA was correlated with the presence of bacteria, accompanying diseases, and exudates characteristics.ResultsThe levels of expression of C-type lectin receptor mRNAs were not associated with bacterial presence or exudates characteristics (p > 0.05 each). Levels of expression, however, were significantly higher in patients with sinusitis, adenoid vegetation or adenoiditis, and allergic rhinitis (p < 0.05 each).ConclusionsLevels of expression of C-type lectin receptor mRNA may be associated with the pathogenesis of OME, being significantly higher in patients with than without accompanying sinusitis, adenoid vegetation or adenoiditis, and allergic rhinitis.