The effects of scaling and root planing on mrna expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and clinical parameters

The etiology of periodontal disease is multifactorial; however, studies show gram-negative microorganisms on subgingival plaque biofilms and host response, play important roles in initiation and progression of periodontitis. Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP-1) is one of the pathogenic enzymes responsible for collagen and other protein degradation in periodontitis. The purpose of this research is to assess the effects of scaling and root planing on MMP-1 gene expression and how these processes correlate with other selected clinical parameters. We used quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) to compare the transcription level of MMP-1, before and after treatment of patients with periodontitis (n=6). Clinical data (pocket depth, bleeding index, and clinical attachment loss) were collected. There was no significant difference on mRNA expression of MMP-1 before and after scaling and root planing (p≥0.05). The transcription level of MMP-1 and pocket depth before treatment were significantly correlated (p < 0.05); however, other variables had no significant correlation. As initial therapy, scaling and root planing effectively reduces pocket depth in patients with chronic periodontitis and pocket depths of 4-6 mm. However, MMP-1 expression could not be used as a clinical biomarker for evaluating scaling and root planing. Therefore, further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary.