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




Keskin Mutlu, Suomi Emma, Harmankaya İlknur, Karaçetin Didem, Sorsa Timo, Gürsoy Ulvi Kahraman

PublisherMDPI

2023

Applied Sciences

Applied Sciences (Switzerland)

2056

13

4

2076-3417

2076-3417

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.3390/app13042056

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

https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/179083821



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.


Last updated on 2025-27-03 at 21:43