Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in pulpal and periapical inflammation and periapical root-canal exudates.
OBJECTIVE
To study the presence, levels and molecular forms of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -8 (collage-nase-2) in pulpal and periapical inflammation, and the changes in MMP-8 levels in root-canal exudates during root-canal treatment.


METHODS
Periapical exudate samples were collected from 11 necrotic teeth with radiographically verified periapical periodontitis during three root-canal treatment visits with interappointment calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) medication. MMP-8 levels and molecular forms were analyzed with immunofluorescent assay (IFMA) and Western immunoblot. Inflamed pulp tissue and periapical granuloma tissue (n = 10 for both) were obtained from other patients and used for MMP-8 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.


RESULTS
The periapical exudate samples demonstrated marked differences in MMP-8 levels between the teeth in the first visit and significant decrease in MMP-8 levels during the root-canal treatment (P = 0.0107). One specimen failed to show a decrease in MMP-8 below 1000 ng mL(-1) a vertical root fracture was later diagnosed and the tooth extracted. IHC staining showed that in addition to PMN-leucocytes, macrophages and plasma cells produced MMP-8 in pulp and periapical granulomas.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings demonstrate the presence of MMP-8 in the inflamed pulp and periapical tissue, indicating that MMP-8 has a role in pulpal and periapical inflammation, most likely participating in tissue extracellular matrix degradation. They further indicate that MMP analysis from periapical exudate could be used to indicate and monitor inflammatory activity and the success of treatment in teeth with periapical lesions.
Wahlgren
J
J
Faculty of Medicine and Biomedicum, Oral Pathology Unit/Laboratory Diagnostics, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Salo
T
T
Teronen
O
O
Luoto
H
H
Sorsa
T
T
Tjäderhane
L
L
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000201:enzymology*; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008264:Macrophages / Q000201:enzymology; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 / Q000032:analysis*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000201:enzymology; D010484:Periapical Granuloma / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D010950:Plasma Cells / Q000201:enzymology; D011671:Pulpitis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D004396:Coloring Agents; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide