MMP-3 and -8 expression is found in the condylar surface of temporomandibular joints with internal derangement.
BACKGROUND
Internal derangement is one of the most common disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and -8 expression in articular condylar surface with different stages of TMJ internal derangement according to Wilkes (Minn Med, 1978; 61: 645-52) and osteoarthrosis (OA) according to Dijkgraaf et al. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 1995; 53: 1182-92).


METHODS
The study was based on 54 condylar specimens obtained during TMJ surgery. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies specific to MMP-3 and -8, represented in cartilage destruction, was carried out.


RESULTS
In all tissue specimens, MMP-3 expression was intense in the surface layer but showed less intensive staining in the deeper layers. Some MMP-8 expression was also seen. The severity of TMJ internal derangement, however, did not seem to have a statistically significant correlation (P<0.05) with the expression of these enzymes.


CONCLUSIONS
The study confirms that distinct expression of MMP-3 and -8 is found in the condylar surface of TMJs with internal derangement.
Tiilikainen
P
P
Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Stomatognathic Physiology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Finland. petri.tiilikainen@oulu.fi
Pirttiniemi
P
P
Kainulainen
T
T
Pernu
H
H
Raustia
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000378:metabolism*; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 / Q000378:metabolism*; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000378:metabolism; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery
D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8