Refereed journal article or data article (A1)

Oral Cavity Beta-Defensin Levels Are Regulated Differently during Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer Patients




List of AuthorsKeskin Mutlu, Suomi Emma, Harmankaya İlknur, Karaçetin Didem, Sorsa Timo, Gürsoy Ulvi Kahraman

PublisherMDPI

Publication year2023

JournalApplied Sciences

Journal name in sourceApplied Sciences (Switzerland)

Article number2056

Volume number13

Issue number4

ISSN2076-3417

eISSN2076-3417

DOIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app13042056

URLhttps://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/4/2056

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/179083821


Abstract

Background: Human beta-defensins (hBDs) are small cationic peptides of the epithelium with broad antimicrobial and immune response-regulatory activities. hBDs are also related to oncogenesis, and their secretion profiles are affected by radiotherapy treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the oral cavity hBD 1-3 levels in head and neck cancer patients and its relation to radiotherapy treatment. Methods: Sixteen head and neck cancer patients (all with a history of smoking) were included in this study. Periodontal parameters were measured before radiotherapy, and medical information was collected from registries. Oral rinses of the patients were collected before radiotherapy; on the 1st, 3rd, and 6th weeks of radiotherapy; and the 1st month following the end of radiotherapy. hBD 1–3 levels were measured using ELISA. Results: Oral hBD-1 levels increased during radiotherapy at week 6 (p = 0.019). hBD-1 levels returned to pretreatment levels after the end of radiotherapy. No significant change was detected for hBD-2 or hBD-3 levels during or after radiotherapy. Conclusions: The constant expression of hBD-1, which is distinct from the infection and inflammation-dependent expression profiles of hBD-2 and hBD-3, may explain why this peptide is the only one affected by radiotherapy.


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Last updated on 2023-31-03 at 12:54