Defensin-1, an antimicrobial peptide present in the saliva of patients with oral diseases.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES AND DESIGN:

A preceding paper has noted a detection of defensin-1 (HNP-1), a peptide with antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties, in the saliva of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. The present study deals with the presence of HNP-1 in the saliva of patients with various oral diseases.

METHODS:

Whole saliva samples were obtained from the patients. HNP-1 in the saliva was isolated and purified by HPLC and the amino acid sequence of the peptide was determined. The molecular weight of HNP-1 was measured by mass spectrometry. The concentration of HNP-1 in saliva was determined by comparing the height of eluted HNP-1 with that of a synthetic HNP-1 standard.

RESULTS:

The concentrations of HNP-1 in the saliva of patients with oral lichen planus (n = 5), leukoplakia (n = 4), and glossitis associated with iron deficiency (n = 4) were 8.3 +/- 4.3 micrograms ml-1, 13.2 +/- 7.9 micrograms ml-1, and 11.4 +/- 4.9 micrograms ml-1, (mean +/- s.d.), respectively. These concentrations were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects (0.8 microgram ml-1) (P < 0.01). In contrast, salivary HNP-1 concentrations in patients with glossodynia (n = 4) and oral discomfort (n = 4) were similar to those in healthy subjects.

CONCLUSIONS:

Since HNP-1 is a non-specific defensive peptide present in neutrophils, it may play an important role in the protection against diseases such as oral lichen planus, leukoplakia, and glossitis associated with iron deficiency.

• Authors: N Mizukawa, K Sugiyama, T Ueno, K Mishima, S Takagi, T Sugahara
• Journal: Oral diseases (Oral Dis) Vol. 5 Issue 2 Pg. 139-42 (Apr 1999) ISSN: 1354-523X [Print] Denmark
• PMID: 10522210 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents
• Defensins
• Proteins
• Salivary Proteins and Peptides
• alpha-Defensins
• human neutrophil peptide 1

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Amino Acid Sequence
• Anti-Infective Agents (analysis, isolation & purification)
• Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
• Defensins
• Female
• Glossalgia (metabolism)
• Glossitis (metabolism)
• Humans
• Iron Deficiencies
• Leukoplakia, Oral (metabolism)
• Lichen Planus (metabolism)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Molecular Weight
• Mouth Diseases (metabolism)
• Mouth Mucosa
• Proteins (analysis, isolation & purification)
• Salivary Proteins and Peptides (analysis, isolation & purification)
• alpha-Defensins