Toll-like receptor-1, -2, and -6 genotypes in relation to salivary human beta-defensin-1, -2, -3 and human neutrophilic peptide-1.

AIM: To examine whether functional gene polymorphisms of toll-like receptor (TLR)1, TLR2, and TLR6 are related to the salivary concentrations of human beta-defensins (hBDs)-1, -2, -3, and human neutrophilic peptide (HNP)-1. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polymorphisms of TLR1 (rs5743618), TLR2 (rs5743708), and TLR6 (rs5743810) were genotyped by PCR-based pyrosequencing from the salivary samples of 230 adults. Salivary hBD-1, -2, -3, and HNP-1 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. General and periodontal health examinations, including panoramic radiography, were available for all participants. RESULTS: The genotype frequencies for wild types and variant types were as follows: 66.5% and 33.5% for TLR1, 95.5% and 4.5% for TLR2, and 25.1% and 74.9% for TLR6, respectively. The TLR2 heterozygote variant group exhibited higher salivary hBD-2 concentrations than the TLR2 wild-type group (p = .038). On the contrary, elevated hBD-2 concentrations were detected in the TLR6 wild-type group compared with the TLR6 heterozygote and homozygote variant group (p = .028). The associations between TLR6 genotypes and salivary hBD-2 concentrations remained significant after adjusting them for periodontal status, age, and smoking. CONCLUSION: hBD-2 concentrations in saliva are related to TLR2 and TLR6 polymorphisms, but only the TLR6 genotype seems to exhibit an independent association with the salivary hBD-2 concentrations.

Salivary antimicrobial defensins in pregnancy.

AIM: Susceptibility to and severity of gingival inflammation are enhanced during pregnancy; however, regulation of oral innate immune response, including antimicrobial peptides, during pregnancy is still unknown. We analysed salivary levels of human beta-defensin (hBD)-1, -2, -3, and human neutrophil peptide (HNP)-1 in pregnant women, and related those to their periodontal status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cohort study, 30 generally healthy, non-smoking Caucasian women without periodontitis were followed at three time points during pregnancy and twice post-partum. The non-pregnant group consisted of 24 women, who were examined three times at the following months. At each visit, periodontal status was recorded and stimulated saliva samples were collected. Salivary estradiol, progesterone, and defensin concentrations were measured by ELISA assays. RESULTS: After adjusting for visible plaque and gingival bleeding, reduced salivary concentrations of hBD-1, hBD-2, and HNP-1 were found especially during the third trimester, whereas hBD-3 concentrations did not change during pregnancy and post-partum visits. Weak associations were observed between salivary defensin and hormone concentrations and clinical parameters. CONCLUSION: There seems to be an independent regulation cascade for each antimicrobial defensin in the oral cavity during pregnancy, despite of the similarities between these antimicrobial peptides.

Salivary Human ß-Defensin 1-3 and Human α-Defensin-1 Levels in Relation to the Extent of Periodontal Disease and Tooth Loss in the Elderly.

The oral innate immune response may diminish with aging. In the present study, the aim was to examine human ß-defensin (hBD) 1-3 and human neutrophil peptide (HNP)-1 levels in the saliva of an elderly population to establish the extent of periodontal disease and tooth loss. A total of 175 individuals aged ≥ 65 years were divided into five groups based on the number of teeth with a pocket depth ≥ 4 mm as follows: 17 pocket-free individuals (Control), 55 individuals having 1-6 pocket teeth (PerioA), 33 individuals having 7-13 pocket teeth (PerioB), 29 individuals having at least 14 pocket teeth (PerioC), and 41 edentulous individuals. Their salivary defensin levels were measured with ELISA kits. The salivary HNP-1 levels were significantly higher in the Perio groups (PerioB: p < 0.001 and PerioC: p < 0.001) in comparison to the Control. The associations between salivary HNP-1 levels and the number of pocket teeth remained significant after adjustments for age, gender, level of education, and number of teeth. The salivary HNP and hBD levels differed in terms of their correlation to the extent of periodontal disease and tooth loss in the elderly.