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[New finding of the expression of human beta defensin-4 in healthy gingiva].

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression and the distribution of human beta defensin (hBD)-4 in healthy gingiva.


METHODS
Healthy gingival specimens were collected. The expression of hBD-4 peptides in 18 gingival specimens were detected by immunohistochemistry. The hBD-4 mRNA were determined in freshly isolated gingival tissue by real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real time RT-PCR) in 30 gingival specimens.


RESULTS
In 18 gingival specimens, hBD-4 peptides were expressed in 13 gingival specimens. In 30 gingival specimens, hBD-4 were detected in 4 gingival specimens by real time RT-PCR.


CONCLUSION
The distribution and the expression levels of hBD-4 are different in healthy gingiva. This result may suggest that the hBD-4 play a role in maintaining the periodontal health.