Peri-Implant Sulcus Fluid (PISF) Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) -8 Levels in Peri-Implantitis

Introduction: Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) -8 plays crucial role in pathogenesis of periodontitis and is also a possible biomarker candidate in peri-implantitis. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyse MMP-8 levels in periImplant Sulcus Fluid (PISF) from peri-implantitis affected implants in smoking and non-smoking patients with different periodontal health status of natural teeth before and after peri-implantitis treatment. Settings and Design: Altogether 29 patients with peri-implantitis were recruited and divided into two study groups (11 with healthy periodontium or gingivitis, i.e. no marginal bone loss, and 18 with chronic periodontitis). Materials and Methods: PISF sample from one implant with peri-implantitis from each patient was collected at the baseline and six months after conservative and surgical peri-implantitis treatment, and clinical parameters were registered. Samples were analysed for MMP-8 with dento ELISA method applying a monoclonal antibody. Mucosal cell samples were also analysed for IL-1 gene polymorphism. PISF MMP-8 levels’ differences between periodontal diagnosis groups and between smokers’ and non-smokers’ were analysed. Also, IL-1 polymorphism profiles were compared between study groups. Results: PISF MMP-8 levels were higher at the baseline compared to and after the treatment when all sampled implant sites were analysed together (p = 0.001). MMP-8 levels’ distribution was broader in periodontitis patients’ PISF samples, and only in periodontitis patients’ group levels decreased statistically significantly after the treatment (p = 0.005). Smokers’and nonsmokers’ PISF MMP-8 was at similar level both at the baseline and after the treatment. No difference between distributions of IL-1 genotypes was found between study groups. Conclusion: MMP-8 levels increase in peri-implantitis affected implants both in non-periodontitis and periodontitis patients, but levels still after treatment of the condition reflect intensified host response around implants and indicate challenges of controlling peri-Implantitis with any treatment modality.