Matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentration in shallow crevices associated with the extent of periodontal disease.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the association between matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) concentration in shallow, mostly non-bleeding gingival crevices, and the extent of periodontal disease.

Methods: Plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD) and attachment level (AL) were assessed clinically in 48 patients with chronic periodontitis. MMP-8 concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from four shallow (PPD

Results: The mean concentration of MMP-8 in GCF from shallow crevices was 11.8 +/- 12.8 ng/ml and from diseased sites was 150.1 +/- 91.8 ng/ml. In subjects with moderate to high plaque scores, a statistically significant association was found between MMP-8 concentration from shallow crevices and the extent of AL>or=4 mm (p=0.028) and AL>or=6 mm (p<0.001).

Conclusions: The above association between MMP-8 concentration in shallow crevices and attachment loss provides a new aspect to future studies of MMP-8 as a prognostic marker for periodontal disease.