Role of Growth factors (HB-EGF, VEGF- A) and Immunotolerance Mediators (TNF-alphaIFN-gamma,PD-L1 and IL-10) in Acute and Chronic Otitis Media

Abstract Objectives: There is an increasing evidence of immune mediated mechanism in the etiopathogenesis of Otitis Media prime middle ear inflammation prime. The aim of the present study was to determine the expression of important circulatory regulators of immunotolerance as biomarkers. Materials and Methods In this cross sectional study, a total of 44 OM patients and 37 controls were included. Blood plasma level of HB-EGF, IL-10, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, PD-L1 and VEGF-A were quantified using Human Magnetic Luminex assay. Results The study showed statistical significant differences in the levels of VEGF-A between OM patients with and without tympanic membrane perforations (p<0.05). Moreover, we found comparatively higher level of PD-L1 in OM patients than controls. However, the level of growth factor HB-EGF, is significantly higher in controls than the cases (p<0.05). There was also a correlation between the levels of HB-EGF and VEGF-A and the severity of the disease condition. Conclusions Role of inflammatory mediators and cytokines like PD-L1, IFNgamma, TNFalpha and IL-10in OM patients as a biomarkers are very minimal. VEFG-A have a significant role in the pathogenesis of OM.Further studies are required for better understanding of the role of these immunosuppressive mediators in the eitopathogenesis of OM.