Decreased salivary beta-defensin 2 in children with asthma after treatment with corticosteroid inhaler.

PURPOSE

Asthma is the most common chronic disorder in childhood. Inhaled corticosteroid therapy is currently the most effective treatment for Asthma. The oral cavity complications related to this treatment may be in terms of the changes in the innate immune system of mouth. Salivary defensin has many immunomodulatory properties. The expression of beta-defensin 2 was measured before and after inhaled corticosteroid treatment in children with asthma to determine the potential impact of corticosteroids on defensin expression.

METHODS

The present study was a cohort study conducted on the patients referred to Children's Medical Center for whom a diagnosis of Asthma was confirmed, and inhaled corticosteroid therapy was prescribed. Saliva was sampled once at the stage of diagnosis and before receiving any treatment. Another salivary sample was collected 4 weeks after receiving corticosteroids. ELISA was performed to assess beta-defensin 2.

RESULTS

The beta-defensin 2 salivary level after inhaled corticosteroid therapy was significantly lower than before treatment. There is no significant difference in the salivary flow rate before and after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the limitations of the present study, the following conclusions can be made salivary beta-defensin 2 is decreased in children with asthma after treatment with a corticosteroid inhaler. Regular dental and oral soft tissue examinations in Asthmatic children under corticosteroid therapy could be suggested.