Matrix metalloproteinase-8 levels and elastase activities in gingival crevicular fluid from chronic adult periodontitis patients

Aim: To make an initial assessment of the periodontal diagnostic potential of immunoreactive matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) by comparison with elastase activity which has previously been associated with disease severity and progression. Methods: GCF was collected from molar and premolar sites of 16 chronic adul t periodontitis patients before treatment and 13 of this group 2 weeks afte r scaling and root planing. Samples were analysed for MMP-8 by immunofluoro metric assay and for elastase activity with a fluorogenic substrate. Results: Mean patient clinical parameters and GCF enzyme totals both decrea sed significantly after treatment. Total MMP-8 levels and elastase activiti es generally correlated significantly with gingival and bleeding indices. F or GCF concentrations, only MMP-8 showed a significant fall after treatment , and some significant correlations with clinical parameters. Amounts of th e 2 enzymes correlated significantly with each other. Conclusions: Similarities between MMP-8 and elastase probably reflect the f act that both enzymes are associated mainly with neutrophils: MMP-8 levels may have fallen more after treatment because the assay, unlike that for ela stase, would most likely not have detected much enzyme bound to alpha(2)-ma croglobulin. The immunoassay for MMP-8 is more specific and convenient than functional collagenase assays, and might be suitable for monitoring the pe riodontal condition.