Assessment of Matrix Metalloproteinases-8 and -9 in Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Smokers and Non-smokers with Chronic Periodontitis Using ELISA.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-8 is increased in smokers with chronic periodontitis (CP). The levels of MMP-9 have not been assessed in the periodontal tissues of smokers. Therefore, the aim of this study is to estimate the concentrations of MMP-8 and -9 in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of smokers and non-smokers with CP.

Methods: Plaque, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, and attachment level were assessed in 60 subjects who were equally divided into three groups. Group A consisted of smokers with CP, Group B - non-smokers with CP and Group C - periodontally healthy subjects. The concentrations of MMP-8 and -9 were determined from GCF samples by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: A highly significant difference (P < 0.0001) was found in the MMP-9 concentration between the Groups A (27.56 ± 2.87 ng/ml) and B (17.16 ± 1.74 ng/ml) and between Groups A and C (14.13 ± 2.87 ng/ml). A significant difference (P < 0.002) was also found between the Groups B and C. A highly significant difference (P < 0.0001) in MMP-8 concentration was found between the A (68.96 ± 20.53 ng/ml) and C (7.05 ± 0.75 ng/ml) and also between Groups B (56.97 ± 12.70 ng/ml) and C. The difference in MMP-8 concentration between A and B was not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Our findings of significantly elevated MMP-9 than MMP-8 from the diseased sites in smokers imply that MMP-9 is more significantly related to the increased periodontal destruction seen among smokers with CP.