GCF levels of MMP-3 and MMP-8 following placement of bioresorbable membranes

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are responsible for remodeling and degradi ng extracellular matrix and basement membrane components. MMP-3 and -8 leve ls were assessed in this study during the early healing phase following a g uided tissue regeneration (GTR) procedure. 32 patients, having 2 or 3 walle d intrabony defects of PD greater than or equal to 6 mm, were stratified in to 2 groups on the basis of age, ses, smoking status and disease severity. All intrabony defects were treated using the resorbable Guidor(R) membrane but only 1 group of patients was given a pre-operative dosage of antibiotic (3 g amoxycillin). GCF samples for the quantification of MMP-3 and -8 leve ls were obtained from the intrabony site where a membrane was placed (membr ane site), from the non-adjacent site on the adjacent tooth which was invol ved in the surgical flap (surgical control site), and from a healthy site ( healthy) on the contralateral side. The GCF samples taken at baseline, 1 we ek, 4 weeks and 3 months after surgery were analyzed using an enzyme linked immunoabsorbent essay (ELISA) for MMP-3 and using a time-resolved immunofl uorescence assay (IFMA) for MMP-8. MMP-3 was detected in a very low % of si tes at baseline while relatively high levels of MMP-8 were detected at all 3 types of sites at baseline, MMP-8 levels increased for all sites at week 1, and this was statistically significant for the membrane site, but at wee k 3, the levels decreased for both the membrane and the surgical sites. The re was no statistically significant difference between the levels of MMP-3 and -8 in the antibiotic and non-antibiotic group. Collagen remodelling occ urs during the early wound healing period following surgical and regenerati ve procedures. The levels of MMP-3 and -8 in GCF appear to reflect these pr ocesses. Interestingly the presence of the membranes appeared to increase t he levels of MMP-3 and -8 and may relate to the resorption of the resorbabl e membrane by host systems.