Levels of gingival crevicular metalloproteinases-8 and -9 in periodontitis.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the key enzymes responsible for matrix degradation, are derived from polymorphonuclear leukocytes during the early stages of periodontitis. The aim of this study was planned to determine the levels of GCF (gingival crevicular fluid) matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) patients with periodontitis and in healthy controls. Levels of crevicular MMP-8 and -9 were determined by ELISA in subjects with healthy without any periodontal disease (n = 10) and periodontitis (n = 10). Significantly higher crevicular MMP-8 and -9 were observed in cases of periodontitis compared to healthy adults. Crevicular MMP-8 and -9 may serve as biomarkers of periodontal disease and aid in early detection of periodontitis.