Relationship Between MCP-1 Levels in GCF and Periodontitis: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Analysis of Molecular Interactions.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) is involved in monocyte chemotaxis, endothelial activation and regulation of leukocyte function in biological activities that promote inflammation, such as in periodontitis. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with the primary objective of investigating the roles of MCP-1 in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of subjects with chronic periodontitis compared to periodontally healthy subjects. The study protocol adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Digital searches were carried out across several databases, including PubMed, Dentistry & Oral Science Source, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the JBI tool for cross-sectional studies and clinical trials. To assess the concentration of MCP-1 in the GCF of the exposure group versus the control group, a meta-analysis was conducted employing a random-effects model. The search strategy yielded 1694 articles, with 14 studies meeting the inclusion criteria and 10 articles subjected to quantitative analysis. A total of 497 subjects were examined, comprising 298 cases and 199 controls. The meta-analysis indicated a significant increase in MCP-1 levels in the GCF of individuals with chronic periodontitis compared to healthy subjects (GCF: SMD = 20.29, 95% CI: 10.33-30.25, Z = 3.992, p = 0.001*). GCF MCP-1 levels are elevated in periodontitis compared to healthy controls, suggesting its potential future use as a diagnostic tool in clinical settings.