In contrast to ALN, OME and the combination of drugs promoted transient, inhibitory effects on proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IFN-a2, MCP-1 and G-CSF) secreted from osteoblasts, whereas an early rise occurred in IL-13 release from fibroblasts. The gene discussed is IL13; the disease is otitis media with effusion.