To detect the expression of human β-defensins (hBD)-2, 3, and 4 in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with and without nasal polyps and normal nasal mucosal epithelial cells to analyze their role in the pathogenesis and development of CRS.

Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression of hBD in 15 normal nasal mucosal tissues, 30 nasosinusitis mucosal tissues, and 30 nasal polyp tissues.

Expression of hBD-2, 3, and 4 can be detected in all tissues samples, but the expression levels differed significantly among the three groups (P<0.05). Expression of hBD-2 and 4 in the nasal polyp group was significantly higher than that in the other two groups, with the normal nasal mucosa having the lowest expression. Expression of hBD-3 in the nasal polyp group was also significantly higher than that in the other two groups, but the nasosinusitis mucosal tissue had the lowest expression. hBD-2, 3, and 4 were mainly expressed in glandular epithelial and mesenchymal cells and inflammatory cells.

There is inducible expression of hBD-2, 3, and 4 in nasal mucosal epithelial cells. Expression of hBD-3 in CRS without nasal polyps is the lowest, which might be associated with the suppressing effect of hormone. hBD-2, 3, and 4 are mainly expressed in glandular epithelial and mesenchymal cells and inflammatory cells, which are mainly related to secretion of defensins involved in nasal mucosal immunity.