One study regarding the effects of IL-1β on Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC) in human middle ear cells suggested that IL-1β upregulates NKCC1 in middle ear epithelial cells, which is one of the important underlying mechanisms of excess fluid collection in OME (7). The gene discussed is SLC12A2; the disease is otitis media with effusion.