[Beta-defensins in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterium infection].

Abstract

We measured the levels of beta-defensin 1 and 2 (HBD-1, 2), novel antimicrobial peptides in plasma and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from patients with with non-tuberculous mycobacterium infection (NTM). Plasma HBD-2 levels in NTM patients before treatment were higher than those in the controls, while the HBD-1 levels were similar to the control levels. High levels of HBD-2, but not of HBD-1, in BALF were also observed in NTM patients. In NTM, a positive correlation was found between HBD-2 levels in BALF and plasma, and also between HBD-2 and IL-1 beta levels in BALF. NTM patients with cavities or ectasia on chest radiography had higher HBD-2 levels in BALF than those without. Plasma HBD-2 levels in NTM patients were markedly decreased after successful treatment, while those of patients with an intractable mycobacterium infection maintained the same high plasma HBD-2 levels as those before treatment. These findings suggest that HBD-2 may participate in the host defense and plasma HBD-2 levels may reflect disease activity in pulmonary NTM.

• Authors: J Ashitani, K Kumamoto, T Hiratsuka, H Mukae, M Nakazato, S Matsukura
• Journal: Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai zasshi = the journal of the Japanese Respiratory Society (Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi) Vol. 39 Issue 1 Pg. 12-6 (Jan 2001) ISSN: 1343-3490 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 11296379 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• DEFB4A protein, human
• beta-Defensins

Topics

• Biomarkers (analysis, blood)
• Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (chemistry)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mycobacterium Infections (diagnosis)
• Pneumonia, Bacterial (diagnosis)
• beta-Defensins (analysis, blood)