New insights into oral health - How systemic factors impact human Beta-Defensins

Medical News: Researchers from the University of Turku in Finland and Medipol University in Turkey have uncovered fascinating insights into how systemic factors such as hyperglycemia, pregnancy, aging, and vitamin usage affect the expression of human beta-defensins (hBDs) in the oral cavity. This Medical News report delves into their findings and highlights the significance of these antimicrobial peptides in maintaining oral health.


New insights into oral health - How systemic factors impact human Beta-Defensins

Understanding Human Beta-Defensins
Human beta-defensins are small cationic peptides that play a critical role in the body’s immune response. They are primarily produced by the keratinocytes of the epithelium in the oral cavity, but also by fibroblasts, monocytes, and macrophages. These peptides have broad antimicrobial and inflammatory functions, helping to protect the oral cavity from various microbial threats.
 
The oral cavity is a unique environment constantly exposed to a myriad of microorganisms. While many of these microorganisms are harmless or even beneficial, some can become pathogenic, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions. Human beta-defensins are part of the body's first line of defense, playing a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance between beneficial and harmful microbes.
 
The Role of Systemic Factors
Recent studies have shown that not only chronic systemic diseases but also factors like hyperglycemia, pregnancy, aging, and the long-term use of certain vitamins can modulate the expression of oral human beta-defensins. These systemic factors can significantly influence the oral cavity's overall antimicrobial response.
 
Hyperglycemia and Oral Health
Hyperglycemia, a key characteristic of diabetes mellitus, can disrupt the homeostatic integrity of the epithelium, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections. This article explains how, in hyperglycemic conditions, the expression of hBD-1 increases, which is believed to counteract the oxidative stress induced by high glucose levels. However, the expressions of hBD-2 and hBD-3 are reduced due to the inhibition of specific signaling pathways. This dual impact highlights the complex relationship between glucose levels and the immune response in the oral cavity.
 
The exact mechanisms through which hyperglycemia affects hBD expression are still under investigation. However, it is known that high glucose levels can lead to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can interfere with normal cellular functions and signaling pathways. The presence of AGEs in the gingival tissues may hinder the expression of hBDs, thereby compromising the oral cavity's ability to fend off microbial invaders.
 
Pregnancy's Impact on Beta-Defensins
Pregnancy induces various changes in a woman’s body, including the modulation of immune responses. Studies have s hown that the levels of hBD-1 and hBD-2 in saliva decrease significantly during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. However, hBD-3 levels remain constant throughout pregnancy and postpartum. The hormonal changes during pregnancy are thought to influence these variations, although more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved.
 
The female reproductive tract undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, influenced by the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. These changes extend to the oral cavity, where hormonal fluctuations can affect the expression of hBDs. The decrease in hBD-1 and hBD-2 levels during pregnancy may make pregnant women more susceptible to oral infections and periodontal diseases, underscoring the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups during this period.
 
Aging and Its Effects
As people age, their immune function undergoes changes that can affect their susceptibility to infections. Research indicates that the expressions of hBD-1, -2, and -3 increase with age, although salivary hBD-2 levels tend to be lower in older individuals compared to younger ones. This discrepancy suggests that oral and systemic hBD expressions might be regulated differently, potentially due to the aging of epithelial cells and immune system components.
 
The aging process is associated with a decline in the regenerative capacity of tissues and a reduction in the density of dendritic cells, which are crucial for the release of hBDs. These changes can lead to a compromised immune response in the oral cavity, making elderly individuals more prone to infections and periodontal diseases. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and using dental products that support oral health can help mitigate these effects.
 
The Influence of Vitamins
The use of vitamins, particularly vitamins A and D, has been studied for their effects on hBD expressions. Retinoic acid, a metabolite of vitamin A, has been found to suppress the expressions of hBD-2 and hBD-3 in keratinocytes. Conversely, vitamin D has been shown to upregulate the expressions of hBD-2 and hBD-3 through various signaling pathways, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for vitamin D in enhancing oral immune responses.
 
Vitamin D, in particular, has garnered attention for its role in modulating the immune system. It can enhance the expression of antimicrobial peptides, including hBDs, through the activation of specific signaling pathways. Vitamin D receptors are present in many cell types, including those in the oral cavity, and their activation can lead to an increased production of hBDs, bolstering the oral cavity's defenses against pathogens.
 
Conclusion: Harnessing Systemic Factors for Better Oral Health
Understanding how systemic factors influence the expression of human beta-defensins in the oral cavity is crucial for developing new strategies to enhance oral health. By identifying and modifying lifestyle-related risk factors, such as controlling blood glucose levels, managing vitamin intake, and considering the unique conditions during pregnancy and aging, it is possible to support the body's natural immune defenses against oral infections.
 
Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good oral hygiene practices are fundamental in supporting the immune system and enhancing the expression of hBDs. Additionally, regular dental check-ups and personalized dental care can help manage the impact of systemic factors on oral health. Future research should continue to explore the intricate relationships between systemic health and oral immunity to provide clearer guidelines and more effective interventions.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Pathogens.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/13/8/654
 
For the latest on oral health, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/defensins-the-double-edged-swords-in-colorectal-cancer-progression
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-scientist-in-brazil-develop-synthetic-peptide-based-on-defensin-found-in-fire-salamander-that-can-serve-as-a-sars-cov-2-antiviral