The discovery of antimicrobial peptides has extended our knowledge of non-specific defence mechanisms. In addition to the physical barrier, the intestinal epithelium contributes to host defence by producing antimicrobial peptides to limit access to enteric bacteria and other microorganisms.¹ The production of inducible antimicrobial peptides offers an initial rapid defence response of epithelial cells against invading microbes.²

Human β-defensin-2 (HBD-2) was the first inducible human antimicrobial protein discovered.³ It can be induced by probiotic microorganisms and pro-inflammatory cytokines.⁴ Recent results suggest that HBD-2 is expressed in active intestinal inflammation, especially in ulcerative colitis.⁵ Thus far, the expression of β-defensins has been quantified in the intestinal mucosa using the polymerase chain reaction procedure. Our aim was to evaluate faecal measurements of HBD-2 in patients with active …