Expression of MMPs and TIMP-1 in smoker and nonsmoker chronic periodontitis patients before and after periodontal treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Nonsurgical periodontal treatment controls periodontal inflammation. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are implicated both in the destruction and in the healing of periodontal tissues. The aim of the present study was to compare the mRNA expression of MMP-1, -3, -8, -9 and -13 and TIMP-1 in chronic periodontitis before and after initial periodontal treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety gingival samples were harvested from 30 patients with chronic periodontitis (15 nonsmokers and 15 smokers) before and after nonsurgical treatment and from 30 periodontally healthy control subjects (15 nonsmokers and 15 smokers). Clinical parameters were assessed before and after treatment. Total RNA was isolated, and mRNA expression of MMPs and TIMP-1 was assessed by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Periodontal treatment significantly increased TIMP-1 expression and decreased the ratios of MMPs/TIMP-1. Post-treatment, nonsmokers with periodontitis had significantly higher MMP-8 and TIMP-1 expression than healthy nonsmokers, and smokers with periodontitis had significantly higher MMP-13 and TIMP-1 expressions than healthy smokers. Post-treatment, smokers had significantly higher TIMP-1 expression and lower MMP-8/TIMP-1 ratio than nonsmokers. Post-treatment, there was no correlation among MMPs, and the expression of MMPs and TIMP-1 was not correlated with clinical measurements.

CONCLUSION

Periodontal treatment increased TIMP-1 expression and decreased the ratios of MMPs/TIMP-1 in chronic periodontitis. The post-treatment increase in TIMP-1 expression was higher for smokers. The TIMP-1 expression was higher post-treatment than in health. Post-treatment, MMP-8 expression was higher in nonsmokers with periodontitis than in healthy nonsmokers, whereas MMP-13 expression was higher in smokers with periodontitis than in healthy smokers.