Objectives: In periodontal diseases, loss of attachment is associated with degradation of extracellular matrix components of periodontal tissues. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are members of a family of zinc- and calcium dependent proteolytic enzymes and their actions are complex and diverse. MMPs are involved in periodontal destruction and remodeling. MMP-1 and MMP-8 cleave types I, II and III collagen and play a key role in the initiation of the periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the MMP-1 and MMP-8 gene expression in human gingival explants from patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis after the non-surgical phase of the periodontal treatment, in order to assess, if possible, the progression of these two forms of periodontal disease.

Methods: Gingival tissues specimens were obtained from 3 clinically healthy subjects (C), 3 patients with advanced chronic periodontitis (CP) and 3 patients with aggressive periodontitis (AP). The patients subjected to conventional periodontal treatment, which included oral hygiene instructions, scaling and root planing. The gingival tissues biopsies were removed under local anaesthesia during routine periodontal surgery for the residual periodontal pockets while the healthy tissues samples during the surgical procedure for crown lengthening. To determine the MMP-1 and MMP-8 mRNA levels we used the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay.

Results: The MMP-1 and MMP-8 mRNA levels were significantly higher (Fishers' exact p-value=0.036) in AP gingival tissues while were barely detectable in C and CP tissues samples.

Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that, after non-surgical periodontal treatment, MMP-1 and MMP-8 levels remain elevated in the periodontal tissues derived from aggressive periodontitis. The findings sustain the contributory role of these two enzymes to the periodontal disease progression.

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