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mRNA expression of MMP-28 (Epilysin) in gingival tissues of chronic and aggressive periodontitis patients: a reverse
P Padmavati1, S Savita, B M Shivaprasad
1Department of Periodontology, Rajarajeswari Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka 560085, India.
Background And Objectives:
Matrix metalloproteinases degrade extracellular membrane and also release bioactive fragments and growth factors, thus influencing fundamental biological and pathological processes. Epilysin (MMP-28) differs from most other MMPs as it is expressed in a number of normal tissues, suggestive of functions in tissue homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to quantitatively evaluate and compare the mRNA expression of epilysin (MMP-28) in gingival tissues of healthy patients and of patients affected by chronic or aggressive periodontitis.
Methods:
A total of 60 subjects, 20 periodontally healthy subjects, 20 with chronic periodontitis, and 20 with aggressive periodontitis, were included in this study. Periodontal status was evaluated by measuring gingival index, probing depth and clinical attachment level. mRNA expression of MMP-28 was determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in gingival tissue samples collected.
Results:
Relative quantification of mRNA expression of MMP-28 was highest in healthy tissues (RQ = 0.97) when compared to subjects with chronic periodontitis (RQ = 0.37) and aggressive periodontitis (RQ = 0.23), but the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion:
mRNA expression of MMP-28 was highest in healthy tissues when compared to diseased periodontal tissues suggesting that MMP-28 could act as a biomarker for periodontal health.
Insights
Epilysin (MMP-28) mRNA expression was highest in healthy gingival tissues compared to chronic or aggressive periodontitis. This suggests MMP-28 may serve as a biomarker for periodontal health.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Periodontology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in extracellular matrix degradation and signaling.
- Epilysin (MMP-28) is an MMP expressed in normal tissues, indicating a role in tissue homeostasis.
- Periodontitis involves inflammation and destruction of periodontal tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively compare the mRNA expression levels of epilysin (MMP-28) in gingival tissues.
- To investigate differences in MMP-28 expression between healthy individuals and those with chronic or aggressive periodontitis.
Main Methods:
- Sixty subjects were divided into three groups: periodontally healthy, chronic periodontitis, and aggressive periodontitis.
- Gingival tissue samples were collected from all subjects.
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of MMP-28 was quantified using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Main Results:
- Relative quantification (RQ) of MMP-28 mRNA was highest in healthy tissues (RQ = 0.97).
- MMP-28 mRNA levels were lower in chronic periodontitis (RQ = 0.37) and aggressive periodontitis (RQ = 0.23) groups.
- The observed differences in MMP-28 mRNA expression between the groups did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusions:
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of MMP-28 was found to be highest in healthy gingival tissues.
- These findings suggest that MMP-28 may function as a potential biomarker for maintaining periodontal health.
- Further research is warranted to confirm MMP-28's role in periodontal disease pathogenesis and as a diagnostic marker.
