Activated MMP-8 as Diagnostic Test for Periodontitis

Background: Untreated periodontal disease may influence general health. However, how may a physician who is not trained in periodontal probing detect untreated periodontitis? Activated matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) in saliva correlates with periodontal probing parameters. Thus, sensitivity and specificity of a chair-side test for activated matrix metalloproteinase-8 to detect periodontitis was evaluated. Methods: Thirty cases (untreated chronic periodontitis; 15 generalized moderate and 15 generalized severe) and 30 controls (probing pocket depths ≤ 3 mm, vertical probing attachment level ≤ 2 mm at \< 30% of sites) were examined periodontally. Further, the activated matrix metalloproteinase-8 test was performed. The test kit becomes positive with ≥ 25 ng/ml activated matrix metalloproteinase-8 in the sample.