AIM

The aim of the present study was to estimate the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-3 and -13 in periodontally-healthy controls and chronic periodontitis (CP) patients, and also to investigate the effect of phase 1 periodontal therapy on MMP-3 and -13 levels in CP patients.

METHODS

Fifty-five systemically-healthy patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (healthy) and group 2 (CP). The recording of clinical parameters and GCF sampling was done at baseline for both groups and again at 6 weeks post-therapy for group 2. The MMP level was determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

A significant increase in the mean MMP-3 and -13 was found between healthy and CP patients. There was a statistically-significant reduction of GCF MMP-3 and -13 concentration after periodontal therapy in the CP group. A positive correlation was found between clinical parameters and GCF MMP-3 and -13 levels.

CONCLUSIONS

A lower concentration of GCF MMP-3 and -13 was found in healthy patients, and a higher concentration was noted for CP patients, which was reduced after periodontal therapy. This indicates the important role played by these MMP in periodontal destruction. Thus, MMP-3 and -13 could be used as inflammatory biomarkers in diagnosing periodontal disease severity.