MMPs in Dental Pathologies

Periodontitis is a type of gum disease that is caused by bacterial infection and results in the inflammation and destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.
MMPs play a key role in the development and progression of periodontitis by breaking down extracellular matrix proteins in these tissues.
MMPs are produced by a variety of cells in the periodontium, including fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and immune cells. In periodontitis, bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharides and inflammatory cytokines stimulate the production of MMPs by these cells. The MMPs then degrade the extracellular matrix proteins that make up the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, leading to tissue destruction and tooth mobility.

Several types of MMPs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis: MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-8, MMP-9, and MMP-13.
These MMPs are involved in the breakdown of collagen, elastin, and other extracellular matrix proteins that are essential for maintaining the integrity of the periodontal tissues.
MMP-8 is currently one of the most promising biomarkers for periodontitis in oral fluids. Salivary MMP-9 has been shown to be a more sensitive marker for periodontal inflammation during orthodontic treatment.

Inhibition of MMP activity has been investigated as a potential treatment for periodontitis. MMP inhibitors, including both synthetic compounds and natural products, have been shown to reduce tissue destruction and improve clinical outcomes in animal models of periodontitis. However, further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of MMP inhibitors for the treatment of periodontitis in humans.

Recombinant MMPs can be used in periodontitis research to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix components and the progression of periodontal tissue destruction.
By using recombinant MMPs, researchers can study the individual effects of specific MMPs and their inhibitors on periodontal tissue homeostasis and disease progression.
Recombinant MMPs can be used to develop new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of periodontitis by targeting specific MMPs or their signaling pathways.

References

Boelen, Gerd-Jan & Boute, Lucas & d’Hoop, Joëy & EzEldeen, Mostafa & Lambrichts, Ivo & Opdenakker, Ghislain. (2019). Matrix metalloproteinases and inhibitors in dentistry. Clinical Oral Investigations. 23. 1-13.
Luchian I, Goriuc A, Sandu D, Covasa M. The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-13) in Periodontal and Peri-Implant Pathological Processes. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Feb 4;23(3):1806.
Franco, C.; Patricia, H.-R.; Timo, S.; Claudia, B.; Marcela, H. Matrix Metalloproteinases as Regulators of Periodontal Inflammation. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18, 440
Mazzoni A, Tjäderhane L, Checchi V, Di Lenarda R, Salo T, Tay FR, Pashley DH, Breschi L. Role of dentin MMPs in caries progression and bond stability. J Dent Res. 2015 Feb;94(2):241-51.
Sorsa T, Tjäderhane L, Salo T. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in oral diseases. Oral Dis. 2004 Nov;10(6):311-8.

Other proteins Related to Dental Diseases

IL-8