Cigarette smoke extract modulates human beta-defensin-2 and interleukin-8 expression in human gingival epithelial cells.

Background And Objective: Human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) are continually exposed to oral bacteria and to other harmful agents. Their responses to stimuli are critical in maintaining periodontal homeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the modulating effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on the innate immune responses of HGECs.