title: The zymographic evaluation of gelatinase (MMP-2 and -9) levels in acute and chronic periapical abscesses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study investigated the presence and levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and -9 in periapical abscesses.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen samples of intracanal exudates containing pus were collected from teeth with clinically and radiographically verified primary or secondary acute and chronic apical abscesses. Pro- and active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were analyzed by using substrate gel zymography followed by an image analysis system. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests with Bonferroni adjustment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both forms of MMP-9 were detected in all pus samples and demonstrated marked differences among the experimental groups (P < .05). Primary or secondary acute apical abscess samples demonstrated significantly higher MMP-9 levels compared with MMP-2 levels (P < .01). However, MMP-2 could not be detected in chronic apical abscesses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to the results of this study, gelatinases might affect the pathogenesis of acute and chronic periapical abscesses.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. hdogan67@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Hatice Dogan
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Buzoglu
authors.forename: Hasan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Unal
authors.forename: Celal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ulger
authors.forename: Safak
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mert
authors.forename: Sibel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kücükyildirim
authors.forename: Nuray
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Er
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000032:analysis; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000032:analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D010482:Periapical Abscess / Q000201:enzymology*; D013492:Suppuration; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9