Human beta defensin levels and vaginal microbiome composition in post-menopausal women diagnosed with lichen sclerosus

Abstract Human beta defensins (hBDs) may play an important role in the progression of lichen sclerosus (LS), due to their ability induce excessive stimulation extracellular matrix synthesis and fibroblast activation. The genetic individual produce defensins, presence microbes influencing defensin production, sensitivity together regulate formation ever-changing balance between levels microbiome composition. We investigated potential differences postmenopausal vaginal composition hBD LS patients compared non-LS controls. exhibited significantly lower hBD1 ( p = 0.0003), higher hBD2 0.0359) hBD3 0.0002), control group. was dominated by possibly harmful bacteria including Lactobacillus iners, Streptococcus anginosus or Gardnerella vaginalis known initiate direct indirect damage increasing level production. Our observations highlight that correcting be applicable supplementary therapy targeting restoration beneficial flora does not increase hBD2-3