Expression of human beta defensins (HBDs) 1, 2 and 3 in gingival crevicular fluid of patients affected by localized aggressive periodontitis.

AIM

To study the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on the expression frequencies of human beta-defensin (HBD)-1, -2, and -3 in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients affected by localized aggressive periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty patients affected by localized aggressive periodontitis (age range, 20-35 years) and 20 healthy subjects (age range, 21-37 years) were examined with clinical periodontal parameters and radiographic examination with the long-cone parallel technique. All periodontitis patients underwent nonsurgical periodontal therapy combined with doxycycline treatment and a maintenance program (including brushing with regular toothpaste). GCF samples were collected from patients and healthy control subjects at baseline as well as 3 months after periodontal therapy for the patient group.

RESULTS

In the patient group, the expression frequencies of HBD-1, -2, and -3 mRNA at baseline were 30%, 85%, and 35%, respectively, which changed after periodontal therapy to 80%, 45%, and 85%, respectively (all P < 0.001). In the healthy control subjects, the expression frequencies were 95%, 40%, and 95% for HBD-1, -2, and -3, respectively, which were different from those of diseased patients at baseline (all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The appropriate expression of HBD peptides in health and disease may contribute to the maintenance of periodontal homeostasis, possibly through its antimicrobial effects and the promotion of adaptive immune responses.