AOM/DSS mice were in a proinflammatory state, which is characterized by intestinal shortening, splenomegaly, and impaired condition of stool and anus, in addition to increased scores of inflammations and fibrosis, macrophage infiltration, and increased expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6 and TGF-β1. Here, IL6 is linked to infectious otitis media.