Origin of MMP-8 and Lactoferrin levels from gingival crevicular fluid, salivary glands and whole saliva

Abstract

Background Pathologically elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) and Lactoferrin in oral fluids have been associated with the presence of gingivitis/periodontitis. This study aimed to assess the origin of MMP-8 and Lactoferrin in periodontitis patients and to identify the degree to which conventional clinical parameters correlate with their presence. Methods A total of ten periodontitis and ten healthy patients were included in this study. Whole saliva (stimulated and unstimulated), parotid/sublingual glandular fluid and gingival crevicular fluid from pockets and sulci were tested for MMP-8 and Lactoferrin and protein concentrations were quantified using an ELISA assay. Clinical parameters were checked for potential associations with MMP-8 and Lactoferrin levels. Results Periodontal patients presented higher concentrations of MMP-8 and Lactoferrin in pockets than other sources (P = 0.03). Lactoferrin measurement was higher in the parotid compared to sublingual glandular fluid in periodontitis patients (P = 0.03). Increased probing pocket depth was positively correlated with high MMP-8 and Lactoferrin levels. Conclusions Periodontal pockets appear to be the major source of active matrix metalloproteinase and Lactoferrin, which also may also enter the oral cavity through the salivary glands. Since clinically healthy sites in periodontitis patients also had elevated biomarker levels, gingival crevicular fluid biomarker testing may be more predictive of future tissue breakdown than conventional clinical parameters.

Comparative proteomics of saliva of healthy and gingivitis individuals from Rio de Janeiro

“…Lactotransferrin is a globular glycoprotein that is released in response to bacterial infection and is strongly associated with periodontal disease. Because of its antibacterial activity, a decrease in lactotransferrin can promote bacterial growth [26, 27]. Here, lactotransferrin levels exhibited a 1.6‐fold increase in the case group, probably representing a response to the greater bacterial plaque formation in gingivitis.…”

Importance of Metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) in the Diagnosis of Periodontitis

“…The collection of gingival fluid is performed using the intracrevicular washing technique (using two injection needles) or the absorption technique using paper strips placed in the gingival crevice [ 91 , 93 ]. It is also important to note that, according to Ramenzoni et al [ 96 ], the highest amounts of MMP-8 come specifically from gingival fluid. According to most studies, patients with periodontitis have higher concentrations and an elevated enzymatic activity of MMP-8 in the gingival fluid compared to healthy individuals [ 93 , 94 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 ].…”

“…It is also important to note that, according to Ramenzoni et al [ 96 ], the highest amounts of MMP-8 come specifically from gingival fluid. According to most studies, patients with periodontitis have higher concentrations and an elevated enzymatic activity of MMP-8 in the gingival fluid compared to healthy individuals [ 93 , 94 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 ].…”

“…↑ concentrations of MMP-8 in periodontitis patients [ 93 , 94 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 ].…”

Oral Cavity Calprotectin and Lactoferrin Levels in Relation to Radiotherapy

“…In the oral cavity, it was found that gingival crevicular fluid levels of calprotectin have positive correlation with worsened clinical findings and elevated inflammatory biomarkers of periodontitis, which is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory oral disease [ 3 , 12 ]. High salivary lactoferrin concentrations were also found to be well-correlated with increased probing depth in periodontitis patients [ 10 , 13 ].…”