Content of matrix metalloproteinase-8 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in oral fluid of patients with chronic generalized periodontitis.

The content of MMP-8 and MMP-9 in oral fluid of 145 patients (95 women and 50 men, 18-52 years) was measured by enzyme immunoassay. We examined 63 subjects with the intact periodontium and 82 patients with chronic generalized periodontitis (25 patients with mild disease, 45 patients with moderate disease, and 12 patients with severe disease). All patients were examined during the remission of chronic periodontitis and did not have clinical signs of associated somatic diseases. No significant differences were found in the content of MMP-8 and MMP-9 in oral fluid from periodontitis patients and subjects with the intact periodontium. The content of MMP-8 an MMP-9 in oral fluid of patients with severe periodontium was slightly higher than that in other patients and subjects with the intact periodontium. The depth of the periodontal pocket was shown to be the most reliable clinical sign for the state of periodontal tissues. A strong correlation was revealed between this criterion and MMP-9 content in oral fluid.