New finding of the expression of human β defensin-4 in healthy gingiva.

Objective To investigate the expression and the distribution of human β defensin (hBD) -4 in healthy gingiva. Methods Healthy gingival specimens were collected. The expression of hBD-4 peptides in 18 gingival specimens were detected by immunohistochemistry. The hBD-4 mRNA were determined in freshly isolated gingival tissue by real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(real time RT-PCR) in 30 gingival specimens. Results In 18 gingival specimens, hBD-4 peptides were expressed in 13 gingival specimens. In 30 gingival specimens, hBD-4 were detected in 4 gingival specimens by real time RT-PCR. Conclusion The distribution and the expression levels of hBD-4 are different in healthy gingiva. This result may suggest that the hBD-4 play a role in maintaining the periodontal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]