LAUSR

INTRODUCTION That EGCG has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as well as antibacterial activity against many streptococcus species suggests that it may be beneficial in the treatment of AOM. OBJECTIVE Aim of the study is to reveal the molecular and biochemical effects of EGCG on LPS induced otitis media in rats. METHODS Forty-two male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into 7 groups. Inflammation was induced by administrating 50 μL of 1 mg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS). EGCG used 50 and 100 mg/kg/day and combined penicillin G (PENG) 48 h after LPS injection. RESULTS The combined EGCG 50 and PENG group and the group with EGCG 50 alone showed the best anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-induced AOM. TNF-α and IL-1β gene expression significantly down regulated EGCG 50 and combined with PENG compared to the otitis media group. The combination of PenG and EGCG 50 led to the best histopathological improvement. Both the inflammation and the membrane thickness of this group were at almost the same level as the healthy group and tympanum was seen normal. CONCLUSION The results of this study make it clear that EGCG plays an important role in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity during AOM.