Levels of Gingival Crevicular Metalloproteinases-8 and -9 in Periodontitis

Objective: To determine the levels of GCF matrix metalloproteinase8 (MMP-8) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) patients with periodontitis and in healthy controls. Methods: Ten patients with periodontitis, and 10 healthy controls were included in this study. Samples were collected and processed at the Jain Diagnostic Centre, New Delhi. Informed consent was taken from subjects. Levels of crevicular MMP-8 and MMP-9 were determined by ELISA in subjects with healthy gingiva (n=10) and periodontitis (n=10). Two examiners recorded the clinical periodontal parameters and unstimulated saliva was collected. Clinical loss of attachment was determined by measuring the interproximal sites only. Results: Significantly higher crevicular MMP-8 and-9 were observed in cases of periodontitis compared to healthy adults. Conclusion: Crevicular MMP-8 and 9 may serve as biomarkers of periodontal disease and aid in early detection of periodontitis.