MMP-8 in Periodontal Sites of Postpartum and without-Any-Pregnancy Women.

The hypothesis that physiological changes in women can affect periodontal tissues is the subject of this study, and inflammatory markers such as matrix metalloproteinase-8 can measure susceptibility to inflammation. The study aimed to analyze MMP-8 levels in periodontal sites of postpartum women and women without a history of pregnancy, comparing health parameters and periodontal disease. This is a case-control study with 40 participants, 20 cases (women in the postpartum period) and 20 controls (women without any pregnancy), who underwent clinical periodontal examination and the collection of crevicular gingival fluid. The ELISA test was used to detect MMP-8 levels. Postpartum women had worse periodontal parameters, such as bleeding index on probing, number of sites with CAL ≥ 3, and fewer teeth present. In the group of women without a history of pregnancy, a significantly lower MMP-8 level was observed in healthy sites and a higher one was observed in periodontal pockets (p < 0.01). In contrast, in postpartum women, MMP-8 levels were elevated in both healthy sites and periodontal pockets (p > 0.01). The MMP-8 levels in gingival fluid appear to be related to periodontal clinical parameters and may be a possible marker of enzymatic changes involved in periodontal tissue destruction in postpartum women.

Correlation of Serum and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels of Caspase-3 and Milk Fat Globule-Epidermal Growth Factor 8 on Gingival Health.

AIM: This study aimed to estimate and correlate the serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of caspase-3 and milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) in healthy, gingivitis and generalised chronic periodontitis subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 subjects were selected and divided into three groups. After recording the periodontal parameters (plaque index (PI), modified gingival index (MGI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL)), the serum and GCF samples were collected and the levels of caspase-3 and MFG-E8 were estimated using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). RESULTS: The mean values of PI, MGI, PD and CALs were significantly higher in group III when compared to group II and group I. The mean value of serum and GCF caspase-3 increased with increasing disease severity, whereas the mean serum and GCF values of MFG-E8 decreased with increasing severity of disease. Spearman's correlation showed a strong positive correlation between the serum and GCF levels of caspase-3 and periodontal parameters, whereas serum and GCF levels of MFG-E8 showed a strong negative correlation with the periodontal parameters. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study are suggestive that the serum and GCF levels of caspase-3 and MFG-E8 could serve as a potential biomarker for the role of apoptosis in periodontal disease. However, further studies are required to explore the mechanism and understand the relationship between these apoptotic markers and periodontitis.

Gingival Crevicular Fluid Zinc- and Aspartyl-Binding Protease Profile of Individuals with Moderate/Severe Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a protease-modulated chronic disorder with heterogenous clinical manifestations which may lead to an imprecise diagnosis. To date, there are no diagnostic protease tests for AD. We explored the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) protease profile of individuals with moderate/severe AD compared to healthy controls. An exploratory case-control study was conducted. AD patients (n = 23) and controls (n = 21) were enrolled at the International Center for Clinical Studies, Santiago, Chile. Complete dermatological and periodontal evaluations (involving the collection of GCF samples) were made. The levels of 35 proteases were analyzed using a human protease antibody array in matching AD patients (n = 6) and controls (n = 6) with healthy periodontium. The GCF levels of zinc-binding ADAM8, ADAM9, MMP8, Neprilysin/CD10, aspartyl-binding Cathepsin E, serin-binding Protein convertase9, and uPA/Urokinase proteases were lower in moderate/severe AD patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). No inter-group differences in the levels of the other 28 proteases were found. MMP8, Cathepsin E, and ADAM9 were the biomarkers with the highest sensitivity and specificity regarding the detection of AD (p < 0.05). The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for MMP8 was 0.83 and MMP8 + ADAMP9 was 0.90, with no significant differences (p = 0.132). A combined model of MMP8, Cathepsin E, and ADAM9 was not considered since it did not converge. Then, levels of MMP8 in GCF were determined using a multiplex bead immunoassay in 23 subjects with AD and 21 healthy subjects. Lower levels of MMP8 in the GCF from the AD group versus healthy group (p = 0.029) were found. This difference remained significant after adjustment by periodontitis (p = 0.042). MMP8 revealed the diagnostic potential to identify AD patients versus healthy controls, (ROC area = 0.672, p < 0.05). In conclusion, differences in the protease profile between AD and control patients were associated with MMP8, Cathepsin E, and ADAM9. Based on the multiplex assay results, MMP8 was lower in AD patients than controls, suggesting that MMP8 may be a diagnostic biomarker candidate.

On the diagnostic discrimination ability of mouthrinse and salivary aMMP-8 point-of-care testing regarding periodontal health and disease.

This study investigated the diagnostic utility of mouthrinse and saliva in aMMP-8 measurements to analyze patients' risk for active periodontal tissue destruction and progression of periodontal disease among 47 adolescents. Results show that measurements from mouthrinse produce better discrimination and should be used instead of saliva measurements.

Levels of Myeloperoxidase and Metalloproteinase-9 in Gingival Crevicular Fluid from Diabetic Subjects with and without Stage 2, Grade B Periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to compare levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from subjects with controlled and noncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D), with and without stage 2 grade B periodontitis (POD2B) versus healthy (H) subjects. METHODS: The levels of both enzymes, from 80 GCF samples collected with PerioPaper strips, were analyzed by a Multiplex/Luminex assay. Five groups were formed, all current patients at the Institutional Dentistry Service, and distributed as follows: two groups of diabetics (one controlled and one poorly controlled); two groups with the previous conditions and diagnosed with POD2B; and one H group. RESULTS: The highest concentration of MMP-9 corresponded to the H group, while the lowest corresponded to the T2D controlled group. Regarding MPO levels, the highest levels were associated with the T2D controlled with POD2B group and the lowest with the T2D controlled group. CONCLUSIONS: No apparent relationship between the elevation of MMP-9 and MPO levels was observed among subjects with T2D, with and without POD2B, compared to H subjects.

Gelatinolytic activity in gingival crevicular fluid and saliva of growing patients with Marfan syndrome: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Aim of the study was to evaluate the gelatinolytic activity in the saliva and gingival crevicular fluid from a sample group of subjects with Marfan syndrome. METHODS: Two groups were analyzed in this case-control study. A group of 28 subjects with Marfan syndrome (MG) was recruited from the Centre for Rare Disease, Marfan Clinic of Tor Vergata University Hospital. The second sample, 23 subjects, with the same characteristics and without any syndrome, was the control group (CG). Saliva and gingival crevicular fluid were collected and transferred to a sterile test tube and stored frozen at - 20 °C until analysis at the Medical Chemistry Laboratory. Gelatin substrate zymography was used for the evaluation and characterization of saliva and crevicular fluid proteinases. Correlation test and Student's t-test have been used to analyze data. RESULTS: In all samples different gelatin-degrading activities were observed. Two bands, which are related to the molecular weights of pro-MMP-9 and active MMP-9, respectively, were detectable in 100% of Marfan and control samples. MMP-2 activity was higher in Marfan group. Additional bands (55/48 kDa), corresponding to the activated forms of collagenase (MMP-13), were observed in saliva samples of both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The association of an enhanced activity by MMP-13 with an increased amount of active MMP-9 might be an important biomarker for the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome.

Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Chronic Periodontitis Patients in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate changes in periodontal parameters and superoxide dismutase activity after root surface debridement with and without omega-3 fatty acid (omega-3 FA) supplementation in postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty postmenopausal women with chronic periodontitis were divided randomly into two groups. Group 1 (control group, n = 25) patients were provided with periodontal treatment in the form of scaling and root planing (SRP) plus soft gelatinous capsules containing only some olive oil, while group 2 (n = 25) received SRP along with systemic administration of omega-3 FAs in the same soft gelatinous capsules. Clinical parameters and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the gingival crevicular fluid were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months after therapy. RESULTS: By the end of the study period, the omega-3-treated group achieved a greater mean probing pocket depth reduction, a mean gain in clinical attachment level especially in deep periodontal pockets, as well as a greater increase in SOD activity (p < 0.01) compared to SRP alone. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive omega-3 FAs supplements with SRP reduce periodontal inflammation and improve the status of systemic enzymatic antioxidants in postmenopausal women.

The analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-8 in gingival crevicular fluid and periodontal diseases.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease, also generally called periodontitis or gum disease, is a chronic infection-induced inflammatory disease that causes tooth loss if not properly treated, and is considered as a modifying factor in systemic health. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) is an inflammatory marker found in periodontal pathologic conditions. Gingivitis, a nondestructive type of periodontal disease, can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Therefore, assessing the level of MMP-8 with comfortable methods and no tissue intervention can determine the progression of the periodontal disease for a better treatment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to determine the relationship between MMP-8 in GCF and periodontal disease. SETTING AND DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study that took place in West Sumatra, Indonesia from June to December 2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involves 60 respondents who are divided into three groups based on the periodontal disease index. The samples consist of 20 healthy individuals, 20 with mild gingivitis, and 20 periodontitis initial. GCF was collected from each group. MMP8 level in GCF was tested by using ELISA technique. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed with SPSS version 17 Software. ANOVA test was used to determine the differences in average levels of MMP-8. Bonferroni post hoc test was used to discover which spesific means differed. RESULTS: The level of MMP-8 is significantly different between the healthy group and mild gingivitis group, between the healthy group with mild periodontitis group, and also between groups with mild gingivitis and mild periodontitis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study can be used by practitioners of dentistry to establish a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment of periodontal disease by measuring the scale of MMP-8, to prevent or to minimize further complication in periodontitis patients.

Clinical concentrations of peroxidases cause dysbiosis in in vitro oral biofilms.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the initiation of dysbiosis in oral biofilms, a topic of prime importance for understanding the etiology of, and preventing, periodontitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of crevicular and salivary peroxidase and catalase on dysbiosis in multispecies biofilms in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The spotting technique was used to identify the effect of different concentrations of myeloperoxidase, lactoperoxidase, erythrocyte catalase, and horseradish peroxidase in salivary and crevicular fluid on the inhibitory effect of commensals on pathobiont growth. Vitality-quantitative real-time PCR was performed to quantify the dysbiotic effect of the peroxidases (adjusted to concentrations found in periodontal health, gingivitis, and periodontitis) on multispecies microbial communities. RESULTS: Agar plate and multispecies ecology experiments showed that production of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) by commensal bacteria decreases pathobiont growth and colonization. Peroxidases at concentrations found in crevicular fluid and saliva neutralized this inhibitory effect. In multispecies communities, myeloperoxidase, at the crevicular fluid concentrations found in periodontitis, resulted in a 1-3 Log increase in pathobionts when compared with the crevicular fluid concentrations found in periodontal health. The effect of salivary lactoperoxidase and salivary myeloperoxidase concentrations was, in general, similar to the effect of crevicular myeloperoxidase concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Commensal species suppress pathobionts by producing H2 O2 . Catalase and peroxidases, at clinically relevant concentrations, can neutralize this effect and thereby can contribute to dysbiosis by allowing the outgrowth of pathobionts.

Matrix metalloproteinase-8 levels in oral samples as a biomarker for periodontitis in the Chinese population: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical evaluation of periodontal inflammation does not fully reflect the disease activity. Extensive studies have been conducted out on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) components that might serve as potential diagnostic markers for periodontitis, among which matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) has shown to be promising, but there were no studies for individuals in China. The aim of this study was to compare clinical diagnostic parameters and levels of active MMP-8 (aMMP-8) in GCF and oral rinse samples from the Chinese patients with varying degrees of periodontal inflammation. METHODS: GCF and oral rinse samples were obtained from 60 participants into two groups, a periodontitis group and a control group, specified by the presence and number of pocket depths or attachment loss. The aMMP-8 levels in GCF and oral rinse samples was quantified by ELISA using specific monoclonal antibodies. Logistic and linear regression models were employed for testing the correlation between aMMP-8 levels and periodontal condition, as well as diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Periodontitis group (mean = 24.84 ng/ml) exhibited significantly higher aMMP-8 levels than control group in GCF (p < 0.001). The aMMP-8 levels in oral rinse samples ranged from 0.05 to 2.18 ng/ml, but differences were not statistically significant between the two groups (p > 0.1). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed a highest threshold of 6.66, with a corresponding sensitivity and specificity of 0.8 and 0.9, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring aMMP-8 levels in GCF may have potentiality for complementary early diagnosis of periodontal disease and inflammation in the Chinese population.

Aspartate aminotransferase activity in peri-implant mucositis: experimental peri-implant mucositis model of 14 days.

BACKGROUND: Experimental peri-implant mucositis has been studied from various prospective in a duration of 21 days. Given the higher sensitivity of peri-implant mucosa the aim of the present study was to evaluate if a duration of 14 days would be sufficient to establish a state of measurable inflammation. METHODS: Twenty patients of age 57±11-year-old contributed with 20 clinically healthy implants and teeth. They were instructed to use an individual stent in the selected elements prior to performing oral hygiene for 14 days. For each element plaque index (PlI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (Bops) were reported at 0 days and 14 days of plaque accumulation. Aspartate aminotransferase activity was measure at both time points from the crevicular fluid. RESULTS: Both implant and teeth developed similar increased response of inflammation at 14 days compared to day 0: BoPs of 4.2±1.8 (P=0.06) and BoPs of 3.1±2.2 (P=0.048) for implant and tooth, respectively. Implant presented deeper pocket depth at both time periods but less plaque accumulation. AST activity did not increased significantly, but it was significantly higher at implant level. CONCLUSIONS: Forteen days of plaque accumulation seemed to be sufficient for the establishment of peri-implant mucositis. However, AST did not resulted as a proper indicator of initial peri-implant inflammation.

Comparative Evaluation of Myeloperoxidase Enzymatic Activity in Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Subjects having Orthodontic Treatment by Different Aligning Arch Wires.

INTRODUCTION: There exist a number of factors that affect the outcome of orthodontic treatment. These factors can be assessed by various gingival markers. One such maker is myeloperoxidase (MPO). Hence, we planned the present study to assess and compare the MPO activity in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment by different aligning arch wires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study included assessment of patients who underwent orthodontic treatment for crowding of anterior teeth. Diagnostic cast models of all the subjects were made for recording the irregularity index. All the subjects were randomly divided into three study groups with 15 patients in each group based on the type of nickel-titanium (NiTi) arch wires used. A collection of GCF samples was done in all the patients at various time intervals and it was sent to the laboratory for assessment of MPO activity. Activity of the MPO enzyme was expressed in terms of number of units per 100 µL. All the results obtained were compiled and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. RESULTS: We observed that nonsignificant results were obtained while comparing the mean age and mean gingival score in all the study groups. However, significant results were obtained on comparing the mean MPO enzymatic activity in all the study groups at different time intervals. CONCLUSION: Both superelastic NiTi and heat-activated NiTi generate optimal forces, which are necessary for higher metabolic response of the periodontal ligament. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In the intimal stages of orthodontic treatment, both superelastic NiTi and heat-activated NiTi wires are superior in leveling and aligning the crowded teeth.

Active matrix metalloproteinase-8 and periodontal bacteria depending on periodontal status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this clinical cross-sectional study was to determine the level of active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) and periodontal pathogenic bacteria in gingival crevicular fluid in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with varying periodontal conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 103 patients with RA and 104 healthy controls (HC) were included. The assessment of periodontal status included periodontal probing depth, bleeding on probing and clinical attachment loss. Periodontal disease was classified as healthy/mild, moderate or severe. For the determination of aMMP-8 levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and periodontal pathogenic bacteria using polymerase chain reaction, samples of gingival crevicular fluid were taken from the deepest gingival pockets. The statistical analyses used included a Mann-Whitney U-test, a chi-squared test or a Fisher's exact test, and the significance level was set at α = 5%. RESULTS: We found that 65% of patients with RA and 79% of HC had moderate to severe periodontal disease (p = 0.02). The prevalence of periodontal pathogens was almost equal (p > 0.05). Furthermore, depending on periodontal disease severity only minor differences in bacterial prevalence were detected. With increasing severity of periodontal disease, higher aMMP-8 levels were observed. Accordingly, a significant difference in patients with moderate periodontal disease (RA: 15.3 ± 13.8; HC: 9.1 ± 9.1; p ≤ 0.01) and severe periodontal disease (RA: 21.7 ± 13.3; HC: 13.1 ± 8.6; p = 0.07) was detected, with a greater tendency in the latter group. CONCLUSION: The increased aMMP-8 levels in the RA group indicate that the presence of RA appears to have an influence on the host response at a comparable level of bacterial load and periodontal disease severity.

Association between serum and oral matrix metalloproteinase-8 levels and periodontal health status.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) is involved in a wide range of pathologies including periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The association between periodontitis and CVD has been repeatedly recognized. The aim of the study was to analyze to what extent circulating active MMP-8 (aMMP-8) is associated with periodontal disease status and oral fluid aMMP-8 levels in otherwise healthy subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, aMMP-8 was measured in serum of 59 volunteers, comprising 19 periodontally healthy subjects, 20 patients with gingivitis as well as 20 with periodontitis. All study subjects were characterized regarding aMMP-8 concentrations in different oral fluids as well as clinically and microbiologically with respect to periodontal disease. aMMP-8 levels in gingival crevicular fluid were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Saliva enzyme levels as well as circulating aMMP-8 were determined by a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay. Both methods utilized the same monoclonal antibodies. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to study the potential association between serum aMMP-8 and oral parameters. RESULTS: Oral aMMP-8 levels were significantly higher in patients with periodontitis compared to periodontally healthy or gingivitis subjects. Highest serum aMMP-8 concentration was also found in the periodontitis group. The serum levels correlated significantly with oral aMMP-8 as well as with clinical parameters in a dose-dependent manner. These results were confirmed in a multivariate regression analysis. After adjusting for potential confounders, saliva aMMP-8 concentrations as well as periodontitis severity were significant predictors of serum aMMP-8. CONCLUSION: The associations between circulating aMMP-8 and oral aMMP-8 as well as periodontal findings in a dose-dependent manner may contribute to linking periodontal disease with increased CVDsusceptibility.

Matrix metalloproteinase-8 activity in gingival crevicular fluid: development of a novel assay.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a role in regulating turnover and metabolism of connective tissues in health but they have also been implicated in a wide variety of pathological conditions, including periodontal disease. MMP-8 has been extensively studied in periodontal health and disease using ELISA, although this technique is limited by its inability to determine enzyme activity. The aim was to develop an assay specifically to measure MMP-8 activity and to demonstrate its use in the analysis of gingival crevicular fluid samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A specific antibody was used to coat black 96-well microtitre plates to capture MMP-8 selectively. The activity of bound MMP-8 was measured using a fluorogenic substrate. Gingival crevicular fluid samples, from healthy and periodontally diseased sites, were collected using PerioPaper strips and tested for MMP-8 activity. RESULTS: Significantly higher MMP-8 activity was demonstrated in gingival crevicular fluid from periodontally diseased sites compared with healthy sites that exhibited basal or no MMP-8 activity. No cross-reactivity with other MMPs was noted. CONCLUSION: We show, for the first time, that MMP-8 activity can be specifically detected and quantified in gingival crevicular fluid samples. Measurement of MMP-8 activity could prove to be useful in monitoring periodontal disease progression.

Neutrophil elastase levels in the gingival crevicular fluid following hyaluronan gel application in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A randomized split-mouth study.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophils are the predominant leukocytes in the periodontium, which prevent infection from periodontal pathogens and subsequent tissue destruction. A potentially destructive role has been elucidated, especially due to elastase enzyme. Controlling its levels might be crucial in minimizing the tissue destruction. Hyaluronan, known to inhibit the release of this enzyme from neutrophils, might be a viable option to treat chronic periodontitis. AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the effects of 0.2% hyaluronan gel adjunctive to scaling and root planing on the levels of elastase in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This split-mouth study included eighty (forty experimental and forty control) sites from twenty patients representing both sexes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: GCF samples were collected from all the eighty sites; simultaneously, clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of elastase at baseline and 6 weeks after therapy, following mechanical debridement and subsequent subgingival placement of the experimental drug. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: With the aid of statistical software (SPSS Version 13), Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation test were performed. RESULTS: There was a mean reduction in the elastase levels from baseline to 6 weeks after therapy in the experimental group. However, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive use of hyaluronan following mechanical debridement resulted in comparable reduction in the elastase levels, suggesting that this substance has an inhibitory effect on elastase, and subsequent tissue destruction. Further long-term studies are mandatory to validate the results of this study.

PAI-2/SerpinB2 inhibits proteolytic activity in a P. gingivalis-dominated multispecies bacterial consortium.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of the serine protease inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI-2/Serpin B2) to inhibit proteases produced by a multispecies bacterial consortium in vitro. BACKGROUND: Gingival and periodontal inflammation is associated with an increased flow of protein-rich gingival fluid. This nutritional change in the microenvironment favors bacteria with a proteolytic phenotype, triggering inflammation and associated tissue breakdown. PAI-2 is produced by macrophages and keratinocytes and is present in very high concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid; the highest level in the body. DESIGN: A multispecies bacterial consortium comprising nine bacterial strains, resembling the conditions in a periodontal pocket, was grown planktonically and as a biofilm. After seven days PAI-2 was added to the consortium and the proteolytic activity was assayed with fluorogenic protease substrates; FITC-labeled casein to detect global protease activity, fluorescent H-Gly-Pro-AMC for serine protease activity and fluorescent BIKKAM-10 for Porphyromonas gingivalis-associated protease activity. Protease activity associated with biofilm cells was examined by confocal scanning laser microscopy. RESULTS: PAI-2 inhibited proteolytic activity of the bacterial consortium, as seen by decreased fluorescence of all substrates. PAI-2 specifically inhibited P. gingivalis proteolytic activity. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first time that PAI-2 has been shown to inhibit bacterial proteases. Given the high concentration of PAI-2 in the gingival region, our results indicate that PAI-2 might play a role for the integrity of the epithelial barrier.

Association of thalassemia major and gingival inflammation: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between thalassemia major (TM) and gingival inflammation through the salivary, serum, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1. METHODS: Biofluid samples and full-mouth clinical periodontal recordings were obtained from 29 otherwise healthy patients with TM and 25 systemically healthy (SH) individuals. Biofluid samples were evaluated by immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) and enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs). Data were tested statistically by Kolmogorov Simirnov, Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: Age, smoking status, bleeding on probing, plaque index were similar in the study groups, but probing depth, gender data exhibited significant differences (p=0.037 for both). Salivary MMP-8, MMP-9, TIMP-1 concentrations were significantly higher in the TM than SH group (p=0.014; p<0.001; p=0.042, respectively). Serum TIMP-1 concentrations were significantly higher; MMP-8/TIMP-1, MMP-9/TIMP-1 molar ratios were significantly lower in the TM than SH group (p<0.001; p=0.005; p=0.022, respectively). Very few GCF samples revealed biochemical data above the detection limits. Numerous correlations were found between clinical periodontal parameters and biochemical data. CONCLUSIONS: It may be suggested that TM may exacerbate the local inflammatory response as manifested in salivary MMP-8, MMP-9, TIMP-1 levels.

Effect of adjunctive use of green tea dentifrice in periodontitis patients - A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: Green tea is known to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. This study evaluated the effect of a locally prepared green tea dentifrice on specific parameters assessing gingival inflammation and severity of periodontal disease, when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the management of chronic periodontitis by comparing with a fluoride-triclosan-containing control dentifrice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients, with mild to moderate chronic periodontitis, were randomly allocated into two treatment groups, 'test' and 'control' after initial SRP. The test group was given green tea dentifrice with instructions on method of brushing, while the control group received a commercially available fluoride and triclosan containing dentifrice. Clinical parameters of Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) along with biochemical parameters of total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were recorded at baseline line and 4 weeks post-SRP. RESULTS: Intragroup analysis at 4 weeks showed statistically significant improvements of GI, PI, BOP, PD, CAL and TAOC in both groups. GST activity however, was increased only in the test group. At the end of the study period, the test group showed statistically significant improvements in GI, BOP, CAL, TAOC and GST levels compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: On comparison with fluoride-triclosan dentifrice, green tea showed greater reduction of gingival inflammation and improved periodontal parameters. Green tea dentifrice may serve as a beneficial adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Analysis of matrix metalloproteinases, especially MMP-8, in gingival creviclular fluid, mouthrinse and saliva for monitoring periodontal diseases.

Matrix metalloproteinase-8 is a promising candidate biomarker for oral fluid (gingival crevicular fluid, peri-implant sulcular fluid and saliva) and mouthrinse chair-side/point-of-care diagnostics to predict, diagnose and determine the progressive phases of episodic periodontitis and peri-implantitis, as well as to monitor the treatments and medications. Matrix metalloproteinase-8 can be used alone or together with interleukin-1beta and Porphyromonas gingivalis to calculate cumulative risk score at the subject level as a successful diagnostic tool, especially in large-scale public health surveys, in which a thorough periodontal examination is not feasible.