Abstract
Behçet's disease (BD) is an immune-mediated small vessel systemic vasculitis. Human β-defensins are antimicrobial peptides associated with many inflammatory diseases and are encoded by the β-defensin family of multiple-copy genes. However, their role in BD necessitates further investigation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association of BD in its various clinical forms with defensin β-4 (DEFB4) genomic copy numbers. This case-control study was conducted from January to September 2011 and included 50 control subjects and 27 unrelated Iraqi BD patients registered at Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Bagdad, Iraq. Copy numbers of the DEFB4 gene were determined using the comparative cycle threshold method by duplex real-time polymerase chain reaction technology at the Department of Dermatology of Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany. DEFB4 genomic copy numbers were significantly higher in the BD group compared to the control group (P = 0.010). However, no statistically significant association was found between copy numbers and clinical variables within the BD group. The DEFB4 copy number polymorphism may be associated with BD; however, it is not associated with different clinical manifestations of the disease.
Highlights
Behçet’s disease (BD) is an immune-mediated small vessel systemic vasculitis
The DEFB4 copy number polymorphism may be associated with BD; it is not associated with different clinical manifestations of the disease
Possible mechanisms underlying the uncontrolled inflammatory response seen in BD to infection or other environmental triggers are either a high basal level of hBD-2 occurring in genetically susceptible individuals with high DEFB4 genomic copy numbers or high levels of hBD-2 induced through the stimulation of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)
Summary
Abstract: Objectives: Behçet’s disease (BD) is an immune-mediated small vessel systemic vasculitis. Human β-defensins are antimicrobial peptides associated with many inflammatory diseases and are encoded by the β-defensin family of multiple-copy genes. Their role in BD necessitates further investigation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association of BD in its various clinical forms with defensin β-4 (DEFB4) genomic copy numbers. Advances in Knowledge - As part of its genetic pathogenesis, Behçet’s disease (BD) may be associated with the presence of a high number of human defensin β-4. - The DEFB4 genomic copy numbers in the healthy Iraqi control group were comparable to those observed in other populations. As such, exploring the genetic basis of this autoimmune disease could improve understanding of its pathological mechanisms and promote the development of a more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic approach
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
