Characterization of local tissue immunity defence factors of the lip in primary dentition children with bilateral cleft lip palate

Background: Bilateral cleft lip palate is a severe congenital birth defect of the mouth and
face. Immunity factors modulate immune response, inflammation, and healing; therefore, they are
vital in the assessment of the immunological status of the patient. The aim of this study is to assess the distribution of Gal-10, CD-163, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, HBD-2, HBD-3, and HBD-4 in tissue of the bilateral
cleft lip palate in primary dentition children. Methods: Five patients underwent cheiloplasty surgery,
where five tissue samples of lip were obtained. Immunohistochemical staining, semi-quantitative
evaluation, and non-parametric statistical analysis were used. Results: A statistically significant
increase in HBD-2, HBD-3, and HBD-4 was found in skin and mucosal epithelium, hair follicles, and
blood vessels. A notable increase was also noted in IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 in the mucosal epithelium
and CD163 in blood vessels. The connective tissue of patients presented with a statistically significant
decrease in Gal-10, IL-10, and HBD-3. Spearman’s rank correlation revealed multiple significant
positive and negative correlations between the factors. Conclusions: Upregulation of CD163 points to
increased angiogenesis but the increase in IL-4 and IL-10 as well as the decrease in Gal-10 points to
suppression of excessive inflammatory damage. Decreased connective tissue healing and excessive
scarring are suggested by the decrease in HBD-3 and IL-10 and the increase in IL-6.