CXCL8 and otitis media with effusion: CXCL8 released by LPS-treated MDM-OME was significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in comparison to all OME irrespective of treatment but were not significantly different from control or dexamethasone-treated MDM-OME (Fig. 4D), whereas IL-6 levels were similar for all samples tested (Fig. 4E).