Elucidation of the Pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Otitis Media through Comprehensive Analysis of Cytokines

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K09639
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56050:Otorhinolaryngology-related
• Research Institution: International University of Health and Welfare
• Principal Investigator: Takahashi Masahiro 国際医療福祉大学, 医学部, 准教授 (50315800)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 岡野 光博 国際医療福祉大学, 医学部, 教授 (60304359)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 好酸球性中耳炎 / サイトカイン / プロスタグランジン / 難聴

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We conducted exhaustive analysis of gene expression in the middle ear mucosa of cases with eosinophilic otitis media. Gene expressions of IL1RL1, IL5RA, and IL17A tended to be higher in cases with eosinophilic otitis media. On the other hand, expressions of IFNG, IFNGR1, IL10RA, PTGES, and PTGS1 tended to decrease compared to control cases. Although no differences were observed in genes encoding type 2 cytokines, expressions of genes encoding receptors for type 2 inflammation were elevated. Furthermore, expressions of genes encoding cytokines and prostaglandins that suppress type 2 inflammation were reduced, suggesting their involvement in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic otitis media.

Free Research Field

好酸球性中耳炎

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

好酸球性中耳炎は進行性の重度難聴に至る症例もある難治性疾患であり、その病態は十分に解明されていない。本研究において好酸球性中耳粘膜からタイプ2及びタイプ3サイトカインの上昇とタイプ２抑制サイトカインおよびプロスタグランジンの低下が確認され、タイプ２サイトカインが病態に関与していることが示唆された。好酸球性中耳炎病態の一因が解明され、本疾患に特異的な新規診断法および根治的治療法の確立が期待で きる。