Salivary MMP-8, TIMP-1, and ICTP As Markers of Advanced Periodontitis

Aim: Salivary matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 and -14, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, and pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) were analysed aiming to detect potential markers of advanced periodontitis in saliva. In addition, we compared two MMP-8 detection methods, a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) and an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), to differentiate periodontitis subjects from controls.

Material And Methods: Concentrations of MMP-8, MMP-14, TIMP-1, and ICTP were analysed from salivary specimens of 165 subjects, including 84 subjects having at least 14 teeth with periodontal pocket (pocket depth > or =4 mm) and 81 subjects without pocket depth as their controls.

Results: Salivary MMP-8 detection by IFMA differentiated periodontitis subjects from controls more strongly than by ELISA. Salivary MMP-8, TIMP-1, and ICTP concentrations were higher in periodontitis subjects than those in controls. When only smokers were included in the analysis these differences were lost. The MMP-8/TIMP-1 ratio and the combination of MMP-8 and ICTP differentiated periodontitis and control groups even in smoker subjects.

Conclusion: Salivary MMP-8, TIMP-1, ICTP, and especially their ratios and combinations are potential candidates in the detection of advanced periodontitis. Differentiating periodontitis and control subjects with salivary MMP-8 detection is dependent on the selected techniques.