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

Abstract

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.

• TLR4
• immunohistochemistry
• RT-PCR
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Streptococcus pneumoniae