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Transforming growth factor‐β expression in otitis media with effusion

Objective: To characterize the existence and role of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) in otitis media with effusion (OME). Study Design: Retrospective. Methods: The levels of two major TGF‐β isoforms, TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2, 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‐β levels were correlated with clinical parameters of disease for these MEEs. Results: Both TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 were present in the samples. Mean levels of TGF‐β1 (920.36 ± 437.75 pg/mg total protein) were generally 100‐fold greater than those of TGF‐β2 (9.65 ± 11.19 pg/mg total protein). TGF‐β1 levels were elevated in association with a history of previous tympanostomy tube placements (TTPs) (P = .029) and mucoid effusions (P = .042). TGF‐β2 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‐β1 is present in the MEEs of children with OME. Furthermore, TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 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.