Expression of Human b-Defensin-1 mRNA in Human Nasal Mucosa / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Antimicrobial peptides are cationic proteins that are found in a wide range of organisms. Recent reports suggest that human beta-defensin-1 (hBD-1), a prominent group of antimicrobial peptides, is an important component of the innate immune response, particularly at mucosal surfaces that are vulnerable to colonization by potential pathogens. Therefore, hBD-1 may participate in providing intrinsic nasal mucosal defense against microbial infections. The present study aimed to look for hBD-1 mRNA in apparently normal human nasal mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of hBD-1 mRNA was investigated in the inferior turbinate tissues using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: The expression of hBD-1 mRNA was detected in these tissues. By in situ hybridization, hBD-1 mRNA was predominantly localized in superficial epithelial cells and submucosal glandular epithelium. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that nasal epithelia and submucosal glands may secrete hBD-1 and thus contribute to the mucosal defense of the nose.

Microscopic Adenoidectomy Using the Electric Adenotome / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The conventional adenoidectomy is performed via the transoral approach and can be accomplished with adenoid curette, adenotome, and adenoid punch. This method has been associated with many complications. We performed an adenoidectomy using an electric adenotome under the operating microscope. The aim of this study was to compare the electric adenotome adenoidectomy with the conventional adenoidectomy and to evaluate the effectiveness and outcome of the electric adenotome surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred cases of microscopic adenoidectomy using the electric adenotome and one hundred cases of conventional methods using curette or punch forceps were examined. RESULTS: There was less incidence of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding in the electric adenotome adenoidectomy group. There were no differences regarding the postoperative outcome and recurrence rate between the electric adenotome method group and the conventional method group. CONCLUSION: Compared to the conventional method, the electric adenotome method has similar postoperativc result but has a lower incidence of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. We suggest that adenoidectomy using an electric adenotome is an attractive surgical method in children with symptomatic adenoid vegetation,