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

Abstract

Objective: The 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 methods: The 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.

Results: The 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).

Conclusions: Levels 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.

Keywords: Adenoid; Allergic rhinitis; C-type lectin receptors; Otitis media with effusion; Sinusitis.