Expression of GATA3, T-bet, IL-4, and IFN-γ mRNA in the effusion of OME patients

ObjectiveThe 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.MethodMiddle ear fluid was collected from 46 OME patients who had a ventilating tube inserted, and expression of GATA3, T-bet, IL-4, and IFN-γ mRNA was assessed by RT-PCR. Expression of transcription factors and cytokines was compared in patients with and without allergy.ResultsThe levels of GATA3 and T-bet mRNA in effusion fluid correlated positively with the levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ 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.ConclusionAlthough 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.