Circulating matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) and MMP-9 are increased in chronic periodontal disease and decrease after non-surgical periodontal therapy

BackgroundPeriodontal disease shares risk factors with cardiovascular diseases and other systemic inflammatory diseases. The present study was designed to assess the circulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) from chronic periodontal disease patients and, subsequently, after periodontal therapy.MethodsWe compared the plasma concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-8, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2, and total gelatinolytic activity in patients with periodontal disease (n = 28) with those of control subjects (n = 22) before and 3 months after non-surgical periodontal therapy.ResultsHigher plasma MMP-3, MMP-8, and MMP-9 concentrations were found in periodontal disease patients compared with healthy controls (all P < 0.05), whereas MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 levels were not different. Treatment decreased plasma MMP-8 and MMP-9 concentrations by 35% and 39%, respectively (both P < 0.02), while no changes were found in controls. MMP-2, MMP-3, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 remained unaltered in both groups. Plasma gelatinolytic activity was higher in periodontal disease patients compared with controls (P < 0.001) and decreased after periodontal therapy (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study showed increased circulating MMP-8 and MMP-9 levels and proteolytic activity in periodontal disease patients that decrease after periodontal therapy. The effects of periodontal therapy suggest that it may attenuate inflammatory chronic diseases.