Expression of Superoxide Dismutase in Otitis Media with Effusion / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is well known that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes are responsible for the pathogenesis of several kinds of diseases including inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to find out if superoxide dismutase (SOD), one of antioxidant enzymes, is responsible for the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors performed the RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) and ELISA techniques using middle ear effusions (MEEs) from patients with OME to find out the presence of mRNA and SOD protein. RESULTS: The mRNA for SOD was detected in 3 cases out of 12 MEEs from patients with OME, and SOD protein was detected in 4 cases out of 6 MEEs. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that ROS and SOD are responsible for the pathogenesis of OME. It will be possible to take advantage of the antioxidant drugs and therapy available to treat and prevent OME in the future.