ABSTRACT
The defense and repair function of the gastrointestinal mucosa is of great significance for protecting the integrity of mucosa. A large number of studies have shown that the defense and repair system of gastrointestinal mucosa is a three-dimensional network system, and gut hormones participate in the whole process, thereby playing an important role for diseases related to mucosal injury. This article reviewed the roles of gut hormones in mucosal defense and repair.
ABSTRACT
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.