Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Levels in Peri-implant Sulcus Fluid Adjacent to Titanium and Zirconium Nitride Surfaces

During host interaction against oral biofilm, matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) is activated, leading to collagenolytic destruction of host tissues. In peri-implantitis patients, the active form of MMP-8 is elevated in peri-implant sulcus fluid (PISF). In this study, MMP-8 in PISF from titanium abutments and those coated with zirconium nitride (ZrN) was compared in vivo in a split-mouth design in 60 patients at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after prosthetic restoration. At each time point, MMP-8 values in PISF differed significantly between titanium and ZrN abutment surfaces. For example, mean MMP-8 values reached 10 to 12 ng/mL in titanium and only 6.6 to 7.5 ng/mL with ZrN. Similarly, the 75th percentile MMP-8 concentrations were 12 to 15 ng/mL and 8 to 9 ng/mL for titanium and ZrN, respectively Based on this finding, ZrN-coated abutments seem to exert a beneficial effect regarding collagenolytic tissue destruction driven by MMP-8 in situ.