Salivary matrix metalloproteinases activity in periodontal disease

Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key enzymes involved in degradation of extracellular colagen matrix during periodontal disease progression. The aim of our work was to study the levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9 and MMP-10 in saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods: The study included 22 patients with chronic periodontal disease and 15 controls. We collect unstimulated whole saliva from all volunteers included in the study. Salivary levels of mentioned MMPs were analyzed using magnetic bead-based multiplex assays and Luminex technology. Results: MMP-1, MMP-7, MMP-9 and MMP-10 present statistically increased salivary levels at patients with periodontal disease versus the control group (p<0.05). Salivary level of MMP-2 at patients with chronic periodontitis was increased but statistically insignificant compared with healthy subjects (p=0.1). Conclusions. The increased level of these enzymes in patients diagnosed with periodontal disease reflects their implication in periodontal tissue degradation. Saliva is an excellent fluid useful in monitoring the severity of this oral disease that affects about half of the adult population around the world.