Abstract

A complex network of chemokines and pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators is involved in the initiation and progression of chronic periodontitis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the main enzymes responsible for matrix degradation, are important for periodontal tissue destruction, but their activity can be inhibited by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) have been shown to be involved in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Until now, no studies have reported on serum levels of MMP-2 and GM-CSF in chronic periodontitis patients and periodontally healthy subjects. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the serum levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1, IL-12 and GM-CSF in chronic periodontitis patients, compared with periodontally healthy subjects. The test group of the study comprised 40 chronic periodontitis patients, whereas the control group included 108 periodontally healthy individuals. Blood samples were collected from all participants and examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis. Clinical periodontal parameters (bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level and probing pocket depth) and the serum levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1, IL-12 and GM-CSF were statistically significantly higher in the test group than in the conptrol group. These results may indicate that MMP-2, TIMP-1, IL-12 and GM-CSF could be involved in the initiation and progression of chronic periodontitis.

Key words: Chronic periodontitis, cytokines, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2),   tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), interleukin-12 (IL-12), granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF).

Abbreviation

TIMPs, Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases; IL-12, interleukin-12; GM-CSF, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; MMP-2, matrix metalloproteinase-2; IFN-γ,interferon-γ; BOP, bleeding on probing; PD, probing depth; CAL, clinical attachment loss.