The zymographic evaluation of gelatinase (MMP-2 and -9) levels in acute and chronic periapical abscesses.
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.
Buzoglu
Hatice Dogan
HD
Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. hdogan67@hotmail.com
Unal
Hasan
H
Ulger
Celal
C
Mert
Safak
S
Kücükyildirim
Sibel
S
Er
Nuray
N
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
D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9