The MMP-8 test can be used to differentiate periodontitis from gingivitis and healthy sites as well as to monitor treatment of periodontitis. A reduction in GCF MMP-8 levels and a change in test stick result provide a means to optimize patient control during maintenance of periodontal treatment.

Persistently elevated GCF MMP-8 concentrations may indicate sites at risk, as well as patients with poor response to conventional periodontal treatment (e.g. SRP). MMP-8 testing may be useful as an adjunct to traditional periodontal diagnostic methods during the maintenance phase.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially collagenase-2 (MMP-8), are key mediators of irreversible tissue destruction associated with periodontitis and peri-implantitis. MMP-8 is known to exist in elevated amounts and in active form in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) from progressing periodontitis and peri-implantitis lesions and sites, respectively. (Sorsa et al. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 737: 112-131 [1994]; Teronen et al. J. Dent. Res. 76: 1529-1537 [1997]). We have developed monoclonal antibodies to MMP-8 (Hanemaaijer et al. J. Biol. Chem. 272: 31504-31509 [1997]) that can be used in a chair-side dipstick test to monitor the course and treatment of periodontitis and peri-implantitis. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibody tests for MMP-8 coincided with the classical functional collagenase activity test from GCF and PISF (Sorsa et al. J. Periodont. Res. 22: 386-393 [1988]) in periodontal and peri-implant health and disease. In future a chair-side functional and/or immunological MMP-test can be useful to diagnose and monitor periodontal and peri-implant disease and health.

In conclusion, clinical improvement following SRP was associated with significant reductions in MMP-8 levels. The GCF concentration of MMP-8 decreased after initial therapy but reduced even more dramatically (approximately 50%) following a 3-month period of maintenance (P < 0.001).

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