Transforming growth factor-β expression in otitis media with effusion

Objective: To characterize the existence and role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in otitis media with effusion (OME). Study Design: Retrospective. Methods: The levels of two major TGF-beta isoforms, TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2, in the middle ear effusions (MEEs) of 44 children were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunospecific assays (ELISAs), Forty-eight MEEs were separated into three clinically relevant groups (i.e., serous, mucoid, and purulent), and TGF-beta levels were correlated with clinical parameters of disease for these MEEs. Results: Both TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 were present in the samples. Mean levels of TGF-beta 1 (920.36 +/- 437.75 pg/mg total protein) were generally 100-fold greater than those of TGB-beta 2 (9.65 +/- 11.19 pg/mg total protein). TGF-beta 1 levels were elevated in association with a history of previous tympanostomy tube placements (TTPs) (P = .029) and mucoid effusions (P = .042), TGF-beta 2 levels were elevated in association with a history of previous TTPs (P = .100) and chronic (i,e,, serous or mucoid) effusions (P = .003). Conclusions: TGF-beta 1 is present in the MEEs of children with OME. Furthermore, TGF-beta 1 and TGP-beta 2 levels were elevated differentially in the presence of chronic disease indicators in OME, suggesting that these isoforms may have differing roles in the inflammatory processes that characterize OME.