title: The influence of a matrix metalloproteinase on the remineralization of artificially demineralized dentin.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This investigation aimed at determining whether a collagenolytic matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-8) present in the oral fluids might attack demineralized dentin and thereby affect the potential for remineralization.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dentin specimens from freshly extracted third molars were demineralized for 14 days in vitro and then remineralized for 7 days in the presence or absence of activated MMP-8. Following treatment the mineral level of the specimens was assessed from the outer dentinal surface using Electron Probe Micro Analysis (EPMA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings suggested that the addition of activated MMP-8 to the remineralizing solution led to reduced remineralization in the surface of the dentin. There appeared to be no effect on the remineralization from any dentin bound MMP activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It appears that MMP-8 may negatively influence the remineralization of demineralized dentin.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Dentistry, Department of Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. hakonn@odont.uio.no
authors.forename: Håkon
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nordbø
authors.forename: Jakob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leirskar
authors.forename: Hien
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ngo
authors.forename: Graham J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Mount
authors.forename: Jaana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wahlgren
mesh_terms: D000085:Acetates / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D002021:Buffers; D002122:Calcium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003804:Dentin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D006801:Humans; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis; D010710:Phosphates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017680:Potassium Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 / Q000494:pharmacology; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014089:Tooth Remineralization
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates; D002021:Buffers; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D008903:Minerals; D010710:Phosphates; D017680:Potassium Compounds; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; D012969:Sodium Fluoride; C013216:potassium phosphate; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8; D002122:Calcium Chloride