Matrix metalloproteinase‐8 concentration in shallow crevices associated with the extent of periodontal disease

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the association between matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8) concentration in shallow, mostly non‐bleeding gingival crevices, and the extent of periodontal disease. Material and Methods: Plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD) and attachment level (AL) were assessed clinically in 48 patients with chronic periodontitis. MMP‐8 concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from four shallow (PPD3 mm), and four diseased sites and in serum, were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The mean concentration of MMP‐8 in GCF from shallow crevices was 11.8 ± 12.8 ng/ml and from diseased sites was 150.1 ± 91.8 ng/ml. In subjects with moderate to high plaque scores, a statistically significant association was found between MMP‐8 concentration from shallow crevices and the extent of AL4 mm (p=0.028) and AL6 mm (p<0.001). Conclusion: The above association between MMP‐8 concentration in shallow crevices and attachment loss provides a new aspect to future studies of MMP‐8 as a prognostic marker for periodontal disease.