Decreased gene expression of human β-defensin-1 in the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

The aim of this study was to investigate the gene expression of human β-defensin-1, -2, -3 (hBD-1, -2, -3), interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α and cyclooxygenase-2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) compared to benign and premalignant lesions as well as healthy controls. Biopsies of healthy gingiva (n = 5), irritation fibroma (n = 5), leukoplakia (n = 5) and OSCC (n = 5) were obtained during routine surgical procedures. RNA was extracted according to standard protocols and transcripts of hBD-1, -2, -3, interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α and cyclooxygenase-2 were analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression of hBD-1 was reduced in all lesions (5-fold in irritation fibroma and 2.5-fold in leukoplakia), but most significantly (50-fold) in OSCC. hBD-1 appears to play a role in the development of OSCC. The loss of its function might contribute to the malignant progression of these tumours.