Gingival crevicular fluid levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in periodontal health and disease.

BACKGROUND: Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are directly responsible for pathogenesis of periodontal diseases and their activity is regulated by Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases (TIMPs). This study was aimed to evaluate changes in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in periodontal health and disease.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: Clinical parameters were recorded and GCF samples were collected from 30 subjects with chronic generalised periodontitis and 20 periodontally healthy subjects. Subjects with periodontitis underwent scaling and root planing (SRP). GCF samples were collected and clinical parameters were recorded again after 1 month of SRP. GCF levels of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were detected by ELISA.

RESULTS: GCF levels of MMP-1 were significantly increased in subjects with periodontitis at baseline (P0) as compared to periodontally healthy subjects (C). GCF levels of MMP-1 reduced significantly in subjects with periodontitis after treatment (P1) as compared to P0. GCF levels of TIMP-1 were significantly reduced in P0 as compared to C. GCF levels of TIMP-1 increased significantly in P1 as compared to P0.

CONCLUSION: Substantial elevation in GCF levels of MMP-1 and reduction in TIMP-1 were found in periodontitis as compared to healthy subjects. GCF levels of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 improved significantly after treatment.