Association of salivary mmp-8 gene polymorphism with its protein expression in oral submucous fibrosis patients.

OSF (Oral submucous fibrosis) is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation and progressive fibrosis of the submucosal tissues with the potential to progress into OSCC (Oral squamous cell carcinoma). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are endopeptidases that play a role in extracellular matrix remodeling and pathophysiology of various diseases. The study aims to evaluate the gene polymorphism and protein expression of MMP-8 and their association with the severity of OSF. The cross-sectional study design involves patients diagnosed with OSF. DNA was extracted from saliva samples by the CTAB method followed by PCR and Sanger sequencing. The sequences were examined for MMP-8 polymorphism on Mega X software. ELISA was performed to assess the MMP-8 protein expression. The results of genetic polymorphism showed the alleles AG (rs11225395), TT (rs1861602574), CC (rs562617158), TT (rs2133511737), AA (rs1307439859), and CC (rs2133511706) consistent with disease severity. MMP-8 protein levels decreased with disease progression. Meanwhile, the association between the two showed a noteworthy significance with the presence of specific genetic variants, namely rs1320632, rs2133511732, rs1307439859, and rs2133511737, rs1307439859, rs562617158, rs11225395 shows a robust association with changes in MMP-8 protein expression. This study suggests a strong association between genotype and the modification of MMP-8 protein expression. In conclusion, MMP-8 may serve as a diagnostic biomarker in OSF.