Human β-Defensin-1, 2 and -3 in Saliva for Studies of Innate Immunity

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine human Beta Defensin (hBD) -1, 2 and hBD-3 concentration in saliva.
Methods: We collected 3 ml saliva samples, taken from 50 elementary school students in Pondok Pesantren Qomaruddin Bungah Gresik with passive method without stimulation, at 09.00 - 10.00. by use of sterile disposable tubes. Saliva samples were then transferred into sterile vials, centrifuged at 10 000g at -4 °C for 20 min, and stored at −70 °C until use. We quantified hBDs by ELISA kit and we also measured DMF-t, saliva flow and Body Mass Index (BMI).
Results: There was a significant difference between HBD1 and HBD2 concentration in free caries and caries groups (p-Value: <0.05).There was a significant difference between HBD2 and HBD3 concentration in caries-free and caries groups (p-Value: <0.05). There was no significant difference between HBD1 and HBD3 concentration in free caries and caries groups (p-Value: <0.05).There was a significant negative relationship between DMFT and Concentration HBD1 in the caries group (p-Value: 0.003, r: -0.419). There was a significant negative relationship between BMI and Concentration HBD3 in the caries group (p-Value: 0.005, r: -0.414).
Conclusions: Antimicrobial peptides (hBD -1,2-3) saliva have been identified as key components in innate host defense and as important contributors in maintaining health at oral cavity.