Applied Sciences (Feb 2023)

Oral Cavity Beta-Defensin Levels Are Regulated Differently during Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

  • Mutlu Keskin,
  • Emma Suomi,
  • İlknur Harmankaya,
  • Didem Karaçetin,
  • Timo Sorsa,
  • Ulvi Kahraman Gürsoy

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042056
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 4
p. 2056

Abstract

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Background: Human beta-defensins (hBDs) are small cationic peptides of the epithelium with broad antimicrobial and immune response-regulatory activities. hBDs are also related to oncogenesis, and their secretion profiles are affected by radiotherapy treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the oral cavity hBD 1-3 levels in head and neck cancer patients and its relation to radiotherapy treatment. Methods: Sixteen head and neck cancer patients (all with a history of smoking) were included in this study. Periodontal parameters were measured before radiotherapy, and medical information was collected from registries. Oral rinses of the patients were collected before radiotherapy; on the 1st, 3rd, and 6th weeks of radiotherapy; and the 1st month following the end of radiotherapy. hBD 1–3 levels were measured using ELISA. Results: Oral hBD-1 levels increased during radiotherapy at week 6 (p = 0.019). hBD-1 levels returned to pretreatment levels after the end of radiotherapy. No significant change was detected for hBD-2 or hBD-3 levels during or after radiotherapy. Conclusions: The constant expression of hBD-1, which is distinct from the infection and inflammation-dependent expression profiles of hBD-2 and hBD-3, may explain why this peptide is the only one affected by radiotherapy.

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