Effects of whole cigarette smoke on human beta defensins expression and secretion by oral mucosal epithelial cells

Conclusions: WCS exposure could modulate expression and secretion of HBDs by oral mucosal epithelial cells, establishing a link between cigarette smoke and abnormal levels of antimicrobial peptides. The present results may give a new perspective to investigate smoking-related local defense suppression and oral disease occurrence.
Source: Tobacco Induced Diseases - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Source Type: research