Periodontitis is a common infectious disease that can slowly damage the supporting tissue of the teeth, resulting in loss of periodontal attachment and alveolar bone. Complex biofilms on the surface of the teeth is the main reason for periodontitis. However, social behavior and genetic factors and systemic diseases also can be related to the epidemiology of this disease. The host biofilm reaction can sometimes be excessive, with the release of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) from the host cells and the appearance of periodontitis.
MMPs are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases, which are considered vital enzymes. They can degrade almost all the components of the extracellular matrix and the basal membranes. The imbalance between MMP and metalloproteinase inhibitors (TIMP) is considered to be the main reason for bone resorption in periodontitis.
The high expression of MMP can lead to increased levels of MMP in biological fluids, including serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). In cases of periodontitis researchers observed elevated levels of MMP in inflammatory periodontal tissues and GCF, as well as in serum. Therefore, high levels of MMP may be a promising biomarker for periodontitis monitoring. MMP-9 is a type of MMP secreted mainly by polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which can degrade various connective tissue proteins such as type IV collagen, proteoglycans, and elastin.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In a meta-analysis published in JADA in 2019, the authors researched and evaluated all studies that investigated the level difference in serum and gingival levels (GCF) of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -9 among patients with periodontitis and periodontally healthy patients.
The authors searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the China Biology Medicine disk databases for eligible studies in which the investigators reported the relationships between MMP-9 levels in serum and GCF and periodontitis.
RESULTS
6 case-control studies including a total of 923 healthy control participants and 557 patients with periodontitis indicated that serum MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in patients with periodontitis than in periodontally healthy control participants (SMD, 1.60; 95% CI, 0.17 to 3.03; P <.05). The results of the separate meta-analysis of the 6 case-control studies including a total of 153 healthy participants and 189 patients with periodontitis indicated that GCF MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in patients with periodontitis than in periodontally healthy control participants (SMD, 1.96, 95% CI, 0.76-3.16, P <.01).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this meta-analysis , which must be confirmed by other similar meta-analyzes, revealed that the levels of MMP-9 in serum and GCF in patients with periodontitis are significantly higher than those found in periodontally healthy control participants. MMP-9 levels may be considered promising biomarkers for periodontitis monitoring.
These results must be interpreted with caution because of the considerable heterogeneity among the studies included in the meta-analysis.
For additional informations:
Meta-analysis of the association between serum and gingival crevicular fluid matrix metalloproteinase-9 and periodontitis
Periodontology 22 January 2025
The transition from a tooth requiring extraction to its replacement (with a dental implant) requires a series of clinical decisions related to timing, approach, materials, cost-effectiveness and the...
Periodontology 07 January 2025
To analyse the level of evidence (LOE) of clinical studies in the field of periodontology, and to investigate whether LOE is a predictor of scientific impact and social impact.
Products 18 December 2024
American Academy of Periodontology Installs New President and Officers in San Diego
The American Academy of Periodontology installed Mia L. Geisinger, DDS, MS, as its president during its 110th Annual Meeting in San Diego, held Oct. 31–Nov. 3.
Periodontology 20 November 2024
The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of platelet-rich f ibrin (PRF) membrane used in combination with a modified coronally advanced f lap (MCAF) and to compare it...
Periodontology 01 November 2024
The purpose of this editorial was to discuss a definition of success after periodontal therapy based on the retention of natural dentition.
The ‘hygiene hypothesis’ suggests that a reduction in the microbial exposure due to improved health measures has contributed to an immunological imbalance in the intestine and increased the...
Editorials 14 February 2025
Lay Soon and Elissa Elmorr each took first place in the Graduate Trainee and Dental Predoctoral Oral Presentation competitions respectively at the 2025 School of Dentistry Research Day on Wednesday.
vVARDIS, a Swiss high-growth dental company, and OrbiMed, a leading healthcare investment firm, recently announced the closing of a $35 million financing.
News 14 February 2025
Greenland Advanced Oral Care is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Eryn Huber to its expert dental team.
News 14 February 2025
Torch Dental and the Sacramento District Dental Society Partner for Smarter Procurement
Torch Dental, a pioneering technology platform specializing in dental supply management, ordering, and budgeting, is thrilled to partner with the Sacramento District Dental Society (SDDS), an...