Matrix metalloproteinase-8 levels and elastase activities in gingival crevicular fluid from chronic adult periodontitis patients.
OBJECTIVE
To make an initial assessment of the periodontal diagnostic potential of immunoreactive matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) by comparison with elastase activity which has previously been associated with disease severity and progression.


METHODS
GCF was collected from molar and premolar sites of 16 chronic adult periodontitis patients before treatment and 13 of this group 2 weeks after scaling and root planing. Samples were analysed for MMP-8 by immunofluorometric assay and for elastase activity with a fluorogenic substrate.


RESULTS
Mean patient clinical parameters and GCF enzyme totals both decreased significantly after treatment. Total MMP-8 levels and elastase activities generally correlated significantly with gingival and bleeding indices. For GCF concentrations, only MMP-8 showed a significant fall after treatment, and some significant correlations with clinical parameters. Amounts of the 2 enzymes correlated significantly with each other.


CONCLUSIONS
Similarities between MMP-8 and elastase probably reflect the fact that both enzymes are associated mainly with neutrophils: MMP-8 levels may have fallen more after treatment because the assay, unlike that for elastase, would most likely not have detected much enzyme bound to alpha-macroglobulin. The immunoassay for MMP-8 is more specific and convenient than functional collagenase assays, and might be suitable for monitoring the periodontal condition.
Chen
H Y
HY
Department of Stomatology, Third Clinical School of Beijing Medical University, China.
Cox
S W
SW
Eley
B M
BM
Mäntylä
P
P
Rönkä
H
H
Sorsa
T
T
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004796:Clinical Enzyme Tests; D012534:Dental Scaling; D005260:Female; D015200:Fluoroimmunoassay; D005883:Gingival Crevicular Fluid / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D019272:Leukocyte Elastase / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000628:therapy
D019272:Leukocyte Elastase; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8