RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression characteristics of human beta-defensin-2 (HBD-2) mRNA and protein in salivary gland benign and malignant tumor tissues, as well as in salivary gland inflammation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of HBD-2 in salivary gland benign tumor, salivary gland cancer, inflammation tissues and normal salivary gland tissues were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-Time PCR) and immunohistochemical. The differences expression of HBD-2 mRNA and protein were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>RT-PCR results showed that HBD-2 mRNA expression in salivary gland benign tumors, salivary gland cancer, and inflammation tissues was 6.468-, 0.334-, and 10.563-fold higher than that in normal tissues, respectively (P < 0.05). HBD-2 was expressed in the nuclei of these organs and malignant tissues.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HBD-2 mRNA and protein expressions are significantly increased in salivary gland benign tumor tissues and inflammation tissues compared with those in normal salivary gland tissues, but are significantly decreased in salivary gland cancer. The protein nuclear transfer in salivary gland cancer tissues is also significantly increased.</p>