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Systemic Factors Affecting Human Beta-Defensins in Oral Cavity
Nur Atalay1, Nur Balci2, Mervi Gürsoy1,3
1Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 2, 20520 Turku, Finland.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 29, 2024
Summary
Systemic factors like hyperglycemia and aging significantly impact oral human beta-defensin (hBD) expression, influencing the mouth's antimicrobial defenses against microbial challenges.
Area of Science:
- Oral immunology
- Host defense peptides
Background:
- Human beta-defensins (hBDs) are crucial antimicrobial and inflammatory peptides in the oral cavity.
- Oral hBDs are primarily produced by epithelial keratinocytes, with contributions from fibroblasts, monocytes, and macrophages.
- Oral immune cells constantly interact with microbial patterns, and their response is modulated by various factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the influence of systemic factors on the expression of oral human beta-defensins.
- To explore how conditions like hyperglycemia, pregnancy, vitamin use, and aging affect oral antimicrobial responses.
Main Methods:
- This study is a narrative review.
- It synthesizes evidence from recent research on systemic factor modulation of oral hBDs.
Main Results:
- Systemic factors, including chronic diseases, hyperglycemia, pregnancy, long-term vitamin use, and aging, can alter oral cellular antimicrobial responses.
- These systemic influences play a significant role in modulating the expression and function of oral hBDs.
Conclusions:
- Systemic health status critically affects the oral cavity's innate immune defenses.
- Understanding these systemic impacts is vital for managing oral health and infections.
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