[Effect of human neutrophil defensins on subgingival flora]

40 teeth of 18 patients with moderate or severe adult periodontitis were examined for evaluating the effect of defensins on subgingival flora. The period of experiment was 11 days. Defensins fibers were put in the periodontal pockets deeper than 5 mm for 3 days and discarded on the fourth day. Each of the pockets was applied one fiber containing about 8 micrograms defensins. The clinical parameters (GI,BI) and the density of subgingival flora were reduced (P < 0.05). The increase of coccoid cells, and the decrease of spirochetes and rods were indicated in the relative ratio (P < 0.05). This study indicated that defensins could reduce the density of the subgingival flora and change their ratio towards the periodontal healthy flora level.