Genetic Factors in Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion and Recurrent Otitis Media
Author Information
Author(s): Sale Michèle M., Chen Wei-Min, Weeks Daniel E., Mychaleckyj Josyf C., Hou Xuanlin, Marion Miranda, Segade Fernando, Casselbrant Margaretha L., Mandel Ellen M., Ferrell Robert E., Rich Stephen S., Daly Kathleen A.
Primary Institution: University of Virginia
Hypothesis
DNA sequence variants in genes involved in the innate immune response and secondary response to infection may confer susceptibility to chronic otitis media with effusion and/or recurrent otitis media (COME/ROM).
Conclusion
Common variants in the selected candidate genes do not appear to make a major contribution to COME/ROM susceptibility.
Supporting Evidence
- SNP rs2735733 in the MUC5AC gene region exhibited nominal evidence for association with COME/ROM (P=0.002).
- Two additional SNPs from this region had P values<0.05.
- Other variants exhibiting associations with COME/ROM at P<0.05 included the SCN1B SNP rs8100085 (P=0.013), SFTPD SNP rs1051246 (P=0.039) and TLR4 SNP rs2770146 (P=0.038).
- Age at exam was the factor most significantly associated with COME/ROM.
Takeaway
The study looked at genes that might make kids more likely to get ear infections, but found that these genes don't really seem to matter much.
Methodology
The study evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 15 candidate genes in 142 families using the Generalized Disequilibrium Test (GDT).
Potential Biases
Genotyping inaccuracies could potentially lead to false negative results.
Limitations
The study included a small sample of non-European families, limiting conclusions about the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
The population included 618 individuals from 142 families, primarily non-Hispanic and of European ancestry.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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