Evaluation of Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 Salivary Test for Diagnosis of Periodontitis

Despite the great progress in understanding the causes of infertility, the reason for the failure of pregnancy has not been discovered among 25% of infertile couples. Some studies have shown the negative impact of periodontal disease on the reproductive potential of women. It is known that there is an elevated level of matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8) in the gingival fluid of patients with periodontitis. It is possible to establish a fast diagnosis of periodontitis by using a non-invasive assay based on monoclonal antibodies to two epitopes of MMP-8. The goal of the research is to use the above described assay in order to compare the level of MMP8 in the gingival fluid of infertile patients with the control group of fertile women, depending on the existence of periodontal disease. It is expected to find significantly higher values of MMP8 in infertile patients in relation to the fertile patient with/without periodontitis. The prompt treatment of periodontitis in preconception care of this group of women could have a significant impact on the improvement of fertility and ability to achieve pregnancy.