Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and-2 in pediatric chronic otitis media with effusion

Objective: To evaluate the role of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in pediatric patients with middle ear effusion (MEE) and determine the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME) and allergy. Methods: The MEE samples were collected from 25 patients with allergy and 20 patients without allergy as a control. The levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The activity of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were measured by gelatin-zymography. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for comparisons between the allergy positive and control groups. Results: The level of MMP-9 was significantly elevated in MEE from the allergy positive group compared to controls. The amount of MMP-9 activity significantly increased in the allergy positive group compared to controls. Conclusion: MMP-9 and MMP-2 are mediatros of inflammation in the OME; in addition, MMP-9 may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of OME with allergy. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.