Local and systemic levels of aMMP‐8 in gingivitis and stage 3 grade C periodontitis

Abstract The Objective This study aimed to analyze active matrix metalloproteinase (aMMP‐8) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), saliva and serum in the context of new criteria of gingivitis and stage 3 grade C periodontitis. The Background Periodontal disease is an inflammatory process that can result in tooth loss and also is considered a modifying factor for systemic health. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 is the major collagenase of periodontal tissue breakdown. Methods Totally 83 systemically healthy and non‐smoker individuals consisting of 23 periodontally healthy, 20 gingivitis and 40 stage 3 periodontitis, were recruited to the study. Clinical periodontal examinations of probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded; and GCF, saliva and serum samples were obtained. aMMP‐8 was measured by immunofluorometric assay (IFMA). Results GCF and serum aMMP‐8 levels were significantly increased in periodontitis and gingivitis compared to healthy ones ( P < .001), whereas gingivitis and periodontitis patients showed similar levels of aMMP‐8 in GCF and serum ( P > .05). Saliva levels of aMMP‐8 were higher in periodontitis patients than both gingivitis and healthy individuals ( P < .001). There was no significant difference in salivary aMMP‐8 levels between gingivitis group and healthy controls ( P > .05). Conclusion These findings support the involvement of aMMP‐8 in periodontal diseases and suggest that its local and systemic levels can reflect stage 3 grade C periodontitis. Moreover, aMMP‐8 in GCF and serum seems to have a potential to differentiate between gingivitis and periodontal health.