Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Concentration in Shallow Crevices Associated with the Extent of Periodontal Disease

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the association between matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) concentration in shallow, mostly non-bleeding gingival crevices, and the extent of periodontal disease.

Material And Methods: Plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD) and attachment level (AL) were assessed clinically in 48 patients with chronic periodontitis. MMP-8 concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from four shallow (PPD<or=3 mm), and four diseased sites and in serum, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The mean concentration of MMP-8 in GCF from shallow crevices was 11.8 +/- 12.8 ng/ml and from diseased sites was 150.1 +/- 91.8 ng/ml. In subjects with moderate to high plaque scores, a statistically significant association was found between MMP-8 concentration from shallow crevices and the extent of AL>or=4 mm (p=0.028) and AL>or=6 mm (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The above association between MMP-8 concentration in shallow crevices and attachment loss provides a new aspect to future studies of MMP-8 as a prognostic marker for periodontal disease.