The significance of α-defensins 1-3 in Behcet’s disease: a case-control study among Egyptian patients

Abstract

Abstract Background Behcet’s disease (BD) is associated with uveitis, oral ulcers, genital ulcers and arthritis. Enhanced activity of innate immunity components, such as neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells and endothelial cells, is a prominent feature of BD. The aim of this study was to clarify the significance of α-defensins 1-3 in BD and detect their correlation with disease activity, severity and oral ulcer activity. Results Significant differences were found between Behcet’s patients and controls as regards serum α-defensins 1-3 (median 10.1, IQR 4–45 μg/ml versus median 7.4, IQR 0.6–13.2 μg/ml, p = 0.001) and salivary α-defensins 1-3 (median 17.4, IQR 5.7–44 μg/ml versus median 8.6, IQR 3.3–11 μg/ml, p cutoff value were significantly higher in active severe Behcet’s patients with active oral ulcers (p < 0.001). Conclusion α-Defensins 1-3 may be involved in the pathogenesis of BD and could be valuable markers in the determination of disease activity, severity and oral ulcer activity.

Keywords

• Behcet’s disease
• Salivary α-defensins 1-3
• Serum α-defensins 1-3
• Innate immunity
• Oral ulcers
• IL6