Increased TLR7 expression in the adenoids among children with otitis media with effusion.

CONCLUSION

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) is present in the adenoids in young children and might play a role in the immunological response behind the development of otitis media with effusion (OME).

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the expression of the TLRs TLR4 and TLR7 in adenoids from children with OME and to compare the results with data obtained from healthy controls.

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

This was a controlled, prospective study. Eleven young children with long-standing OME and 10 controls with healthy middle ears were recruited consecutively when scheduled for adenoidectomy. mRNA was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the localization of the corresponding proteins was assessed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

mRNA for TLR4 and TLR7 could be obtained from all samples tested along with their corresponding proteins. The mRNA levels for TLR7 were increased among the children with a history of OME. No such increase was found for TLR4.